October - December 2001
EVENTS in the CITY CENTER
Exhibitions

At Dar Al Hayat in Maarad street, an exhibition held from October 15-21 was devoted to the writer-pilot Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. On display were the well-known Le Petit Prince story and illustrations. Children also enjoyed rides in the basket of a hot-air balloon beautifully illustrated with Le Petit Prince and anchored in Martyrs' Square. From October 23 to November 5, works of Lebanese artists and painters were displayed.

At La Maison du Café, an exhibition of paintings by Louna Maalouf took place from November 1 to December 8.

At J M Auctions in Riad El Solh street, antiques, sculptures, carpets, modern and contemporary paintings, icons, porcelain and glass were up for auction from December 16-22.

The Dome in Martyr's Square displayed fine art, crafts and multi-media from Dec 19-23.

Les Fêt-Arts en Ville was an exhibition of works by several artists, held from December 7-30 at Galerie Aida Cherfan in Hussein el Ahdab street.

Compagnie des Arts gallery in Youssef el Rami Street exhibited the work of Joe Kesrouani from Dec 12 to Jan 12.

Miss Europe contest was held on December 29 at the Beirut International Exhibition and Leisure Center (BIEL). Miss France earned the title for 2001.

Other BIEL activities during the festive season included: and exhibition of decorations, paintings, antique furniture, carpets, glass and other items, from December 14-23; and a daily mini theatre studio for children.

Conferences
SOLIDERE general manager Mounir Douaidy addressed the Saudi-Lebanese Businessmen's conference on November 2. After reviewing the main aspects of the Beirut city center reconstruction and the Company's achievements and prospects, he pointed out the opportunities for investment and tourism in the city center.
At the Rencontre des Cultures pavilion in Riad El Solh street, the late Lebanese author Evvelyn Bustros was honored in a lecture by Ghassan Tueni on October 10. On October 26. Photographic practices in the Middle East in the 40s and 50s were the subject of a presentation of Akram Zaatari of the Arab Image Foundation.
At UN House, 14 conferences and workshops were held by ESCWA during the quarter.

At the Grand Serail
On November 22, Lebanese Independence Day, the Italian orchestra Musica Antica gave a concert, organized by the Italian Embassy and the 'Monuments en Musique' Association.
Close to 100 competitors attended the final session of the spelling competition presented by Bernard Pivot on December 2. The event was organized by the French embassy.

Other cultural events
Gibran Khalil Gibran's The Prophet, arranged into a play by Francesco Agnelo from France, was performed in the St Louis Capuchin church in October 11, 12 and 14. The event was organized by the Nadia Tueni Foundation in collaboration with the Gibran Khalil Gibran Foundation.
In Virgin Megastore, Hyam Shoucair Yared signed copies of her new anthology Reflets de Lune on October 19. On October 25, Microsoft launched their new Windows XP system with Arabic and English versions.







World on a Plate
The week from October 14-20 was devoted to Francophone countries' cuisine. Delicacies were served at the dinner parties hosted in the Roman Baths area by the Lebanese Academy of Gastonomy.

Festive music
The Berytus chorale and the University of Balamand choir held a Christmas concert in St Louis Capuchin church on December 8. On December 16, a carol service accompanied by the international congregation choir was held at All Saints church.
A children's Peace Walk on December 20 started from Nejmeh Square with songs for peace and Christmas tree in Martyrs' Square. The organizers, First Step Association, raised funds towards tuition fees for needy students.
Beirut Rock the Nation was a concert by sic local groups for the anti-addiction campaign at the Dome on December 28.

Souk al Barghout
The 17th Souk al Barghout was held in Marthyr's Square from November 23 to December 30. Backgammon competitions were held in the evening, organized by the Mount Lebanon section of the American University of Beirut Alumni.

Festive decorations
At the start of the holy month of Ramadan, Dar al Aytam al-Islamiya unveiled metallic sculptures in Martyr's Square, representing the 16 animals mentioned in the Koran. Debbas Square was adorned with the traditional Christmas tree.

Basketball
The basketball court near Planet Discovery was covered for the rainy season. Three courts were added for volleyball, tennis and mini football. These indoor sporting activities are attracting enthusiasts day and night.

Planet Discovery
The Light-Years exhibition ran until year end. Two theatrical performances, Bâteleurs de la Science, and Zéphyrin et le Météore d'Or, and a workshop on stars and Lebanon sky maps, completed the scientific experience.
Teachers having attended the summer course at the Microsoft e-library were presented with certificates on October 9.
On October 27-28 the French Les Guignoles marionette artists performed Les Petits Bouffons de Paris.
The World of the Circus was an interactive exhibition held from October 13 to December 9 for children ages 5 to 12. Organized by the Association for the Progress of Lebanese Children, it was sponsored by the Canadian Embassy.
During the festive season, a theatre course, local marionette performers, magic shows and story-tellers were organized.
A Nunchaku juggling show, and singing with the guitar piano were also enjoyed by the children.