Following its successful presentation in Perugia, Italy, by the Maqām Festival Ensemble, and a subsequent performance at the Hadat–Baabda Campus of Antonine University (UA), The Levantine Oratorio of Divine Love continues its musical and spiritual journey with a performance at UA’s Nabi Ayla–Zahle Campus.

Conceived and composed by Prof. Nidaa Abou Mrad, Dean of UA’s Faculty of Music and Musicology, and performed by the Antonine University Ensemble of Classical Arabic Music, the Oratorio explores Divine Love through poetry and spiritual texts drawn from Christian and Islamic mystical traditions.

Through chanting, instrumental music, and improvisation, the performance brings these traditions together, revealing the richness of their spiritual heritage through the Maqām art music tradition of the Mašriq.

Where Music Brings Spiritual Traditions Together

Rooted in the Maqām art music tradition of the Mašriq and the musical heritage of the Arab Nahda school, the Oratorio combines composition, chanting, and improvisation to bring Christian and Islamic mystical texts to life.

Throughout the performance, voices and instruments engage in a musical dialogue, exploring how poetry and music have expressed the search for Divine Love across centuries and traditions.

Performers

Antonine University Ensemble of Classical Arabic Music

• Conception, composition, and violin: Nidaa Abou Mrad
• Chanting and riq: Rafka Rizk
• Qānūn: Ghassan Sahhab

Event Details

Audience: Open to the public

Date: Friday, November 13, 2026

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Antonine University, Nabi Ayla–Zahle Campus

Kindly RSVP at +961 71 791522 to confirm your attendance or inform us if you are unable to attend.

An invitation to listen and reflect, as music becomes a meeting point for spiritual traditions and their expressions of Divine Love.