A Study Circle for Arabic Music

The study circle for Arabic music which the Ministry of National Education and Fine Arts held at the UNESCO Palace in the first week of last October was the subject of discussion in the specialized artistic circles, which consider that the time has come to lay the "question" of Arabic music on the table for examination.

It is the first time in the history of Lebanon that the good "nucleus" of musicians who are working for a musical renaissance has come together to undertake an organized study under the supervision of the expert specialist in Arabic music, Mr. Louis Haba. It was, in truth, a heartening sight — these good elements clustered around the specialized "master," discussing with him, debating with him, and offering their opinions — all of them pursuing a single aim: to untie the intractable knot and to bring Arabic music out of its long-standing prison into the wide horizons of the world...

It is a lofty task that the specialized department in the Ministry of National Education and Fine Arts is performing. The Ministry is also occupied at this time with preparations for the "Autumn Exhibition," which will open on November 30 and will bring together the elite of the artists residing in Lebanon.

We said it once before, and we repeat it today: the activity of the Ministry of Education in encouraging artists and the arts in Lebanon meets with all appreciation and approval in refined circles.