Schools from across Lebanon participated in the music competition "A Choir from Every School 2010," organized by the Zaki Nassif Music Program at AUB. Performances by winners took place at the University's Assembly Hall on May 21, 2010.
The competition aimed at encouraging students to appreciate Oriental music and get closer to their roots, Salma Oueida, associate director of Development at AUB, told the audience, which included Patrick McGreevy, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS), former FAS Dean Khalil Bitar, AUB Choir Director Paul Meers and the principals of participating schools.
Schools from across Lebanon participated in the music competition
The Zaki Nassif Music Program at AUB honored Meers, a "tireless, enthusiastic music advisor, who pushed to make [tonight's concert] possible," according to McGreevy. Under Meers' directorship, "the choir has grown and its ripples [have been] felt well beyond AUB's gate," noted McGreevy.
McGreevy and Nabil Nassif, AUB mathematics professor and Zaki Nassif's nephew, presented Meers with a plaque recognizing his efforts in developing the choir.
The themes of songs performed during the concert turned on innocence and the pain of growing up during war.
The choir of the Antonine Sisters' School in Ghazir, directed by Frederika Ammouri, came third in the competition, tying with the Louise Wegmann School choir, from Bchemoun, directed by Paula Kabbani.
Under Meers' directorship, the choir has grown and its ripples felt well beyond AUB's gate
Hariri III School Choir, directed by Nidal Abu Samra, won second place while the American Community School (ACS) choir, directed by AUB choir member Yara al-Rabb, and the Lebanese School for the Blind in Baabda, both took home first prize.
Two young violin players from ACS charmed the audience as they accompanied their choir. The concert's highlight, however, was when the School of the Blind choir sang to a standing ovation and huge applause.
The family of Salvador Arnita, AUB former professor of music and ex-choir conductor, established the school choir award in recognition of students' musical talent and achievements. First place receives $1500; second $1000 and third $500.
