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Culture

had the kindness to hold an interview with me, which I The concert held in Deir el Qamar on August 1 2023
st
will partake of in the following article.

Q: What’s it like, being able to bring all these people
together? How do you do it?
A: It’s a gift, to be able to bring people together. My
experience with the Scouts of Lebanon organization
helped me in doing so. But I’m also a musician: I have to
mix both of these experiences and skills. And eventually,
it led to the solidarity of the choir. All on their own,
they created this sense of belonging, which explains the
remaining presence of senior musicians. For example,
in Paris, there are about thirty senior members who choir. It was the best decision I’ve ever made, honestly.
participate in our association called JAW’A Chœur du It’s so amazing; I love it.”
Liban à Paris. Its purpose is to bring together seniors
of the choir who would still like to participate in Paris Q: What were your first impressions?
but also to spread Lebanon’s culture all over France and Laura Maria Korkmaz (2 7) answered me with a smile.
de
Europe. We’re mostly known in the isle of France for A: Honestly, at first I thought it was a mix of chaos and
our ‘Prière de Taizé’ that we hold every month with a beauty all together. You get used to it though, and we
variation of French groups. We’re also in good relation always end up with the best material.
with the AJFE (Anciens de Jamhour en France et en
Europe) in Paris. We sang at their mass for their general Q: Did you make any friends along the way or did you
assembly. It was great to see everyone again. already have some?
Yohan Mounsef (Te3) was kind enough to answer.
Q: How do you feel about working abroad? Does it A: I knew some of them from outside the choir but I’d
bring you any nostalgia when you’re with JAW’A? call everyone who’s a member my friend. Even though
A: Yes, especially when you’ve defended Lebanon, I don’t talk to all of them, since it’s impossible, we’re so
you’ve gotten so invested and you’ve taught the many, I still consider them my friends.
younger generations to honor this country and its sense
of belonging. Leaving was very heavy on me. I was I also had the chance to speak with some continuing
supposed to stay in Lebanon and then suddenly I found members and ask them different sorts of questions.
myself abroad.
Q: Since you’re an old member, what always pushes
Q: What’s happening next? you to come back for the next concert?
A: We’re currently preparing this summer’s concert tour, Ryan Dib Nehmé (old member, Promo 2019) and Riwa
performed by the school choir and in collaboration with Arayssi (old member, Promo 2023), were the ones
JAW’A and Harmonia of Cyprus. We’re always searching present that day.
for events to spread our music. We hope to welcome A: “It’s always been a nice experience, ever since I
some old members who’ve just traveled to Paris soon. started singing in grade ten,” Ryan said. “That was almost
seven years ago. You get to look back and see how far
I was able to interview some of the current members of you’ve come. You feel like you’re part of a community.
the Jamhour Choir about their current occupation. Belonging. Dedication. You feel like it’s important to
show up and transmit the experience that you gained
Q: Why did you join the choir? as you got more skilful. Back when I joined the choir, I
I got a response from Karen Ayoub (1 4) and Claudia gained huge insight and great motivation from seniors
re
Pelet (1 1). at the choir; they were always supportive, ready to
re
A: “I’ve liked singing since I was a kid”, Karen said. “I provide assistance when singing off-tone-obviously
joined the choir because it was a way for me to have fun during rehearsals because everything was ready once
with my skills and also find some new friends!” the concerts started. They became my friends.”
“Yes, I love singing too,” Claudia continued. “I joined the “Actually, since the beginning, the choir requires
junior choir in 6 grade and last year I joined the school dedication,” Riwa goes on. “I have always been devoted,
th

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