Lebanese art stars Joseph Attia, Michel Fadel, Tania Kassis, “DJ” Rudge, Anthony Touma and journalist Wissam Breidi will gather at the Zabeel Theater in Dubai on Tuesday, November 26, at 8:30 pm UAE time, until the ” Love” played a “letter” concert. This event is part of the campaign “The Emirates is with you, Lebanon“, in collaboration with the Dubai Cares Foundation, with the aim of supporting the Lebanese people affected by the Israeli war influence and its devastating effects.
Lebanon tomorrow
Before the concert, several artists expressed their vision for the Lebanon of tomorrow, as the soprano Tania Kassis affirmed that she clings to love and hope, based on her attitude to challenges facing Lebanon together for this reason, she sees the Lebanon of tomorrow as “a united rural country, gathering everyone around the values of unity and tolerance, where everyone will live. ” “With dignity and safety.”
Rudge, who recently presented with Kassis an artistic dedication to Lebanon titled “With You, Lebanon,” emphasizes the importance of national unity. He told An-Nahar: “We must come together now for the future of our children.
As for Joseph Attia, he believes that love for the land is his foundation. He told Al-Nahar: “Despite everything, we still have hope for a more beautiful and better country, and this is not just a poetic speech, but a reality that we feel and ‘ live in this country we love.
In the face of crisis
Since the start of the war against Lebanon, many Lebanese artists have been criticized for their artwork. Kassis told “An-Nahar”: “I don’t think the artist should isolate himself. Instead, we must continue to express our feelings and thoughts through art, as it is an effective way to spread hope and solidarity in times of distress. “
Rudge stopped his activities in the last two months and canceled many art exhibitions in Lebanon, but he continued them abroad by a general decision with his team. Despite this, he believes that “the decision is up to each artist individually. The entertainment industry is greatly affected by a crisis, whether it is a war or a pandemic. Artists and their families who rely on this field face huge challenges.”
As for Attia, who made his voice known with the song “Lebanon Will Return,” he recalls that “if we look at the history of Lebanese songs, we will find, even as a result of wars and problems, the most prominent national and non-. Plays and patriotic songs came out, however, situations are different, and sometimes I have to cancel performances if the situation calls for it, but I believe that it is the role of the artist, due to his position and nature, to sing even in times of war, to sow the seeds of peace.”
Thank you from the heart
Therefore, the concert is a national excellence, even in its artistic program, which includes songs with the first and last titles of Lebanon and also the UAE, as a value of the part his humanity in supporting Lebanon and its people.
Kassis says: “Our message is gratitude and thanks for his support and his stand with Lebanon. Regarding Rudge: “It is rare that we find countries opening their arms to help people outside their borders, and this gesture is extremely generous. importance.”
Continuing with Attia’s heartfelt thanks to the UAE: “What we are doing now shows our commitment to serve Lebanon and our people affected by the war.
Is the art campaign expanding?
Amidst questions about the absence of large art gatherings to deal with crises, the artists participating in the “Love Letter” concert believe that it could be a starting point for wider initiatives. In this context, Kassis says: “This concert could be the beginning of a larger artistic gathering, where our voices are united against challenges to present a message of solidarity and peace.” For DJ Rudge: “We have the power to create change through music and art. As for Joseph Attia, he hopes that this collection will be “the beginning of larger projects that bring artists together, as we try to present works that serve peace, love and goodness Our role as artists is to voice Lebanon and its culture to the world, so that we can contribute to building a better future.”
**Beyond the immediate impact of the concert, what long-term strategies can be implemented to sustain the momentum of artistic activism for Lebanon’s recovery and rebuilding?**
## Interview: “Love Letter: A Concert for Lebanon”
**Guests:**
* **Tania Kassis**: Soprano and Artist
* **Rudge** (DJ): Musician and Artist
**Host:** Welcome to the programme. Tonight, we’re discussing the upcoming “Love Letter” concert in Dubai, a powerful artistic initiative aiming to support Lebanon in the face of ongoing challenges. We have the pleasure of speaking with two of the participating artists, Tania Kassis and Rudge, both renowned figures in the Lebanese art scene.
**I. The Power of Art in Challenging Times**
* **Host:** Tania, you’ve spoken eloquently about the role of art in times of crisis. Could you elaborate on how you believe art can offer hope and solidarity during difficult periods like the one Lebanon is facing?
* **Host:** Rudge, you recently paused your activities in Lebanon but continued them abroad. What motivated that decision, and what are your thoughts on the balance between artistic expression and responding to a crisis?
**II. Art as a Bridge of Unity**
* **Host:** The “Love Letter” concert is a collaboration between Lebanese and Emirati artists, reflecting the theme of unity. Rudge, how important is national unity, especially during a time of hardship?
* **Host:** Tania, the concert will feature songs representing both Lebanon and the UAE. How do you think this shared musical experience can contribute to fostering understanding and empathy between nations?
**III. Shaping a Hopeful Future for Lebanon**
* **Host:** Joseph, you have spoken about the importance of singing even during wartime, highlighting the role of artists in sowing seeds of peace. In your vision, what kind of Lebanon are you hoping for, and how can art contribute to realizing that vision?
* **Host:** Rudge, many people believe that art is “essential” but not necessarily “urgent” during a crisis. Do you encounter any resistance to the idea of using art as a platform for social change? How do you respond to those who prioritize immediate relief efforts over artistic expressions?
**IV. Expanding the Impact**
* **Host:** Tania, the “Love Letter” concert is a significant event. Do you see this as a starting point for larger, more encompassing artistic initiatives in support of Lebanon?
* **Host:** Both of you have spoken passionately about the power of art to inspire change. What practical steps do you think artists and cultural institutions can take to amplify their impact on a national and global scale?
* **Host:** How can individuals, beyond artists, contribute to making the vision of a brighter future for Lebanon a reality?
**Closing:**
* **Host:** Thank you, Tania and Rudge, for sharing your thoughts and insights. We hope the “Love Letter” concert will be a resounding success, offering both comfort and inspiration to the people of Lebanon and beyond.
