The Italian Cultural Institute in Lebanon offers a concert in the framework of the 9th edition of the SOL Pipe Organ Festival, organized by NDU’s School of Music and by the International Pipe Organ Festival in Terra Santa.
Saturday, 20 April, 8 pm
ZOUK MOSBEH | Church of Notre Dame de Louaizeh
Les Solistes de Beyrouth
Fernando Afara (Lebanon), conductor
Paolo De Matthaeis (Italy), pipe organ
Admission FREE
BIOGRAPHY: Les Solistes de Beyrouth
“Les Solistes de Beyrouth” is a newly established vocal ensemble led by Mr. Fernando Afara. The ensemble brings together professionals and lyrical singing students from his class, possessing vibrant voices and promising talents, aiming to enhance their careers both in Lebanon and abroad. “Les Solistes de Beyrouth” delivered three successful concerts in March 2023 for the Feast of the Annunciation at the National Museum in collaboration with the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory, accompanied by the esteemed French organist Yves Lafargue. Despite its youth, “Les Solistes de Beyrouth” has achieved remarkable success. Positive feedback and appreciation from audiences and classical music experts in Lebanon, France, and Switzerland.
BIOGRAPHY: Fernando Afara
Born in Lebanon, Fernando Afara began studying classical singing at the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Beirut while pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Music Pedagogy from Notre Dame University in Lebanon. Seeking to enhance his skills, he furthered his studies at the Conservatoire de Lyon and the Schola-Cantorum in Paris. Subsequently, he integrated the opera studio, and later continued his studies with a program focused on vocal teaching at the Haute École de Musique de Genève. Fernando Afara won the 2nd prize unanimously at the 39th International Music Competition Lyceum in Switzerland in 2015, alongside pianist Chloé Servente. On the stage, Afara’s talent portrayed Dancaïre and Zuniga in Carmen, Le Podestat in Le Docteur Miracle by Bizet, Papageno from Die Zauberflöte by Mozart. His noteworthy performances include his rendition of Fiorello in the Rossini’s Barber of Sevilla at the International Opera Festival in Avenches, Switzerland, and his portrayal of various roles in productions at Lausanne. As a soloist, Fernando Afara has participated in prestigious festivals. In 2021, he founded the vocal ensemble “Les Solistes de Beyrouth”.
BIOGRAPHY: Paolo De Matthaeis
Paolo De Matthaeis (1969), musician and music critic, currently serves as the Artistic Director of the Cappella Musicale Costantina. He specialized in organ and organ composition studies with renowned masters. As an organist, harpsichordist, and conductor, Paolo has solidified his artistic presence at the basilicas of San Pietro in Vincoli and Santa Agnese fuori le mura, along with the Mausoleum of Costanza, in Rome. Paolo has enriched his artistic journey by participating as a soloist and accompanist in international musical events in various countries, including Ukraine, Colombia, England, Egypt, and Romania. He has been part of prestigious festivals. Recognition of his talent and dedication to music criticism is underscored by winning the TIM (Torneo Internazionale di Musica) award for three consecutive editions in 2010, 2012, and 2014.
PROGRAM
Pipe organ:
J.S. Bach (1685 – 1750)
Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C Major, BWV 564
John Rutter (1945-)
Toccata in Seven
David German (1954-)
Festive Trumpet
Vocal ensemble:
Giovanno Battista Pergolesi (1710 – 1736)
Stabat Mater
Giulio Caccini (1551 – 1618)
Ave Maria
Khalil Rahme (1962)
طوبى لمن تختاره
The concerts will be broadcast live streaming on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/solorganfestival (UTC/GMT +2)
For more details https://solfestival.org/
