Founded in 1978, Season XLI (41st), the Antonine University (UA) Choir is one of the leading choirs in Lebanon, contributing to the cultural enrichment of Lebanese musical life since the 1980s with its diverse repertoire.
The UA Choir has performed in various international destinations, including Rome, Milan, Nice, Lyon, Monaco, St. Etienne, Doha, Dubai, Al Ain (United Arab Emirates), Jordan, Bahrain, Cyprus, Tbilisi, Paris, New York, Los Angeles, Muscat, Naples, Venice, and Helsinki.
The Choir has also participated in highly respected festivals, both locally and internationally. Notable participations include:
- Ehdeniyat – Lebanon, 2016
- Bahrain International Music Festival – Bahrain, 2013
- Festival d’Ile de France – France, 2012, 2013
- Tbilisi Opera Festival – Georgia, 2012
- Baalbeck International Festival – Lebanon, 2011, 2018, 2019
- Byblos International Festival – Lebanon, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014
- Al Bustan International Festival – Lebanon, 2009 to 2020
- Beirut Chants Festival-Lebanon – Lebanon, 2008 to 2019
- The Classical Music Festival of Al Ain – United Arab Emirates, 2008, 2009
In May 2010, April 2013, and May 2015, the Choir performed at the legendary Carnegie Hall in New York, the most prestigious concert stage in the United States. The UA Choir made its Los Angeles debut in April 2014, performing at the LA City Hall. In November 2016, the Choir made its first appearance at the San Carlo Opera House.
With great honor, the Choir represented Lebanon in the opening of the Lebanese Pavilion at the 57th Venice Biennale in May 2017. Recently, the Choir performed at the Manhaus Opera House in Brazil for the Coimbra Brazilian University Congress.
Artistic Directors
The artistic director’s role is to oversee all aspects of the choir’s artistic production, including assessing and selecting performances, choosing performers, and setting production schedules. UA has been fortunate to work with various artistic directors, each contributing to the Choir’s enrichment and improvement:
- Joseph Waked, OAM (1978–97)
- Fady Tawk, OAM (1997–2003)
- Youssef Chedid, OAM (2003–05)
- Toufic Maatouk, OAM (2005–present)
Message From the Director
There is increasing research interest in the field of choral singing due to the numerous benefits it offers, as documented in literature. Those scientifically proven benefits from participating in a choir include physiological, cognitive, and social advantages, as well as providing meaning and structure to daily life.
With this in mind, Antonine University (UA) continues to support music and encourage performances. At the UA Choir, we believe in the transformative power of music.
The Choir was founded in 1978, the same year I was born, which gives me extra motivation to lead it to new horizons. Over the years, the Choir has experienced different conductors, styles, and directions, all dedicated to a brighter future.
Now well into its fourth decade, I have been blessed to work with diverse rectors and Choir members who empowered me to program and conduct highly appreciated and recognized choral works. This aspect makes the UA Choir a truly special place.
Our Choir treats music with respect. Whatever a work requires in terms of instrumentation or soloist scoring, we do it right, as that is the only way to honor the art. This is what the UA Choir is all about: belief, dedication, and above all, joy!
If you are a potential singer, come audition and sing with us! You will be inspired!
If you are a potential attendee of a concert, come listen to us! You will not be disappointed!
If you are a potential donor, come support us! You will be appreciated!
Toufic Maatouk, OAM