Antonine University (UA), through its Chamber Music Season VIII, welcomed audiences on February 13, 2026, to an evening of refined musical dialogue. Titled “Classical & Crossover Highlights,” the concert featured Duo Lamell–Matthys and offered a compelling journey through 20th-century repertoire.

The program, “On the Shoulders of Giants: Sounds of a Century,” brought together landmark works that explored stylistic contrast and expressive depth. From Claude Debussy’s “First Rhapsody” to Igor Stravinsky’s “Italian Suite” (arr. Lamell/Hsieh), the evening unfolded with elegance and vitality. Maurice Ravel’s “Prelude From The Tomb of Couperin” and Edison Denisov’s “Variations on a Theme by Franz Schubert” (arr. Lamell) highlighted the duo’s interpretative sensitivity, while Johannes Brahms’ “Clarinet Sonata No. 2 in E-flat Major, Op. 120” concluded the program with warmth and lyrical intensity.

Clarinetist Josef Lamell and pianist Nathalie Matthys demonstrated a remarkable artistic synergy, balancing precision and expressive freedom. Their performance bridged tradition and reinvention, reflecting a thoughtful approach to the clarinet–piano repertoire that resonated strongly with the audience.

Presented with the support of the Belgian Embassy in Lebanon and in partnership with Aria Cultura Classical Music Agency, the concert reaffirmed the cultural openness and international dialogue that characterize Chamber Music Season VIII. The concert brought together a diverse audience of music enthusiasts from within and beyond the University, united in a shared moment of attentive listening and artistic appreciation.

With this performance, UA once again affirmed its dedication to sustaining a dynamic chamber music tradition under the artistic direction of Maestro Toufic Maatouk, OAM. Chamber Music Season continues to expand the University’s cultural reach, creating a space where international artistry, thoughtful interpretation, and meaningful musical exchange enrich the broader community and reinforce UA’s role as a living center for the arts.