Jeita Grotto Concert to support the Seven Wonders Contest
The Jeita Grotto concert was organized by BUMC, through the ALJCBL (Association of Lebanese & Japanese Cultural & Business Leaders) and Sacotel-Panasonic to support the Jeita Grotto voting for the seven wonders contest. <br />The beautifully lit stalactites and stalagmites on the upper cavern of the grotto provided a spectacular backdrop for the evening’s concert by the International Lebanese-Armenian pianist and composer Guy Manoukian and his ensemble featuring Princess Maguy Abillamah on the pan-pipes. <br /><br />Miss Lebanon Rosarita Tawil gave the opening speech. The audience was then treated to an hour-long recital that included a combination of traditional Lebanese pieces, as well as a selection of Manoukian's own compositions, including the works "Peace" and "Freedom". It was followed by a sumptuous cocktail reception. <br /><br />The event was held as part of the campaign to designate the Jeita Grotto as one of the new seven natural wonders of the world. <br />The audience was ferried from the entrance to the mouth of the grotto in the small "train" that services the site. The approximately 300-person crowd included notable figures such as His Excellency Tourism Minister Elie Marouni, his Excellency Japanese Ambassador Yoshihisa Kuroda, Poet Henry Zgheib, Ballet international leader and star Georgette Gebara, just to name a few.<br />
Oct 03, 2008