Takieddine, Gharib, and Kodjian Perform at Baalbek

I had heard a great deal about the success the Italian orchestra of "Santa Cecilia" has been meeting at the Baalbek festivals, but I was unable to attend until the evening of Saturday, August 24 last. I chose that particular night in order to hear the solo performances given by Diana Takieddine and the two young Lebanese, Gharib and Kodjian—for I wished to hear their solo playing accompanied by the famous orchestra, so that I could compare on the same ground... and I came out of the test with my head held high, trembling with pride.

I listened in surpassing delight as the daughter of Sheikh Said Takieddine played the melodies of Mozart with skill and assurance—none more masterly, none more graceful! After her came Kodjian on the violin, then Gharib on the piano, and together they were conclusive proof that there are musical talents among us that have begun to bear their fruit... And I dreamed further... of our having orchestras whose members are all Lebanese, with the boldness and the confidence to play in the temples of Baalbek... and then to go out into the world with ripe achievements..

Our warm congratulations to the three Lebanese who lifted our heads with pride at the concert of August 24, and especially to the graceful artist Miss Diana Takieddine.

Nor, on this occasion, shall we forget the fame and success won by the French troupe in performing the play "Vasco" by the Lebanese playwright Georges Schehadé... It is worth noting that this play, and other works of Schehadé's, have been translated into a number of the world's languages in appreciation of their artistic value. And no doubt the decorations with which President Chamoun adorned the breasts of the leading figures of these companies, and of all who gave results of rare distinction—Georges Schehadé among them—these high decorations were, on His Excellency's part, gracious gestures well bestowed...

Through these festivals Lebanon is growing artistically, daring to gaze upon artistic masterpieces, to touch them, and to emulate them...