On Sept. 8, 2026, the Beirut International Opera Festival and Competition launched with an inaugural Grand Gala at the Roman style open air amphitheater of Zouk Mikaël in Lebanon. The showcase, which featured mezzo-soprano Marina Viotti, drew more than 1,800 spectators. Per an official press release, this was Viotti’s first performance in the Middle East. She appeared alongside Les Solistes {…}