Summer festivals are
something artists look forward to: the settings are usually exotic and gorgeous,
and the people more relaxed, and you can feel that resonating from the audience.
My summer travel included a trip to Beirut to sing in concert at The Zouk Mikael
International Festival with José Carerras accompanied by The Lebanese
Philharmonic Orchestra, David Gimenez conducting. I adore going to Lebanon --
the people, the food, and my favorite designer, Georges Chakra, always equal an
amazing visit. This time was no different.
My first trip to Beirut was
in 2008 when I opened the Al Bustan Festival. Just before I left, I was telling
a colleague where I was headed next and when I said Beirut, he commented on how
unsafe it was. I shook my head in response saying that I had great friends there
that all deemed it safe and I was looking forward to visiting a new country with
such a storied history. Besides, that was part of my job as an artist to travel
to far-flung new places and it was something I enjoyed immensely.
This
year similarly, I would be naive not to address the safety concerns that
traveling to the region can entail, given all that is happening in neighboring
Syria. In fact, it was a question posed to Mr. Carerras and me at the press
conference, when we were specifically asked, "Were we worried about coming to
Lebanon?" Mr. Carerras and I both answered that we came to Beirut to perform and
since we were already there, clearly we didn't have an issue traveling there.
A few days later, our audience was in fact, a very appreciative one who
gathered under the stars in a gorgeous open-air setting. The concert at Zouk was
wonderful -- great audience, great vibe, and of course, great music making with
one of the world's most famous tenors. What could be better?
The only
thing that can add to this unforgettable experience is being dressed by one of
the world's fashion icons -- Georges Chakra.
I have had the privilege of
wearing Georges' dresses on several occasions. Everyone from Beyoncé to Jennifer
Lopez to Fergie has worn his creations. I get to add myself to that lucky list.
Being an opera singer isn't always glamorous, I can assure you, but when
you do experience a perk, especially a perk having to do with fashion, which I
love so much, it's fantastic. What woman is going to turn down the opportunity
to walk into her favorite designer's hometown atelier and pick out short prom dresses
to wear and be fitted by the designer? A perk indeed.
A trip to Georges'
Beirut atelier is everything you would expect it to be -- chic, fun and totally
decadent. From the moment you walk into the boutique you are surrounded by
beauty -- chiffon confections and silk satins line the entranceway. Heading
upstairs, you encounter more of a showroom atmosphere. It is here that I was
fitted with not one or two but four dresses for the concert as well as a few
other events.