GHADA SHBEIR

Ghada Shbeir, a distinguished musician and educator, holds a PhD in Musical Sciences and a diploma in Arabic singing from the Holy Spirit University-Kaslik, where she now teaches oriental Arabic singing, music theory, and history while directing the university’s Oriental Arabic Choir. Known for her deep dedication to Arabic and Syriac musical traditions, she earned the first prize at Egypt’s Best Arabic Song Competition (1997) and the prestigious BBC World Music Award for the Middle East and North Africa (2007) for her album Mouachahat. Shbeir has released a variety of Arabic and Syriac music albums and published comprehensive educational works, including Al Mouashahat and Al Maqamat Al Arabiya, for oriental singing students. Her extensive research on Arabic and Syriac music led her to document over 700 Maronite and Catholic Syriac melodies, enriching the musical heritage for future generations. Shbeir has represented Lebanon globally, performing at festivals, conducting lectures, and participating in international congresses across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Arab world. Additionally, she has composed and performed numerous original works and actively contributed to musical theater and television, including a coaching role on The Voice. Through her pioneering work, Shbeir continues to elevate and preserve the rich legacy of Arabic music and Syriac chants worldwide.

الكورال المدرسي في مؤسسات الإمام الصدر

Imam Sadr Foundation School Choir

“Art is the Mirror of Civilization”

The melodic voices of the Imam Sadr Foundation school choir girls have echoed far beyond the city of Tyre and its surroundings, enchanting all who have heard them and establishing the choir as one of the most distinguished in Lebanon. Originally, the choir was composed of students with special needs, driven by the recognition that music could be a powerful tool in rehabilitation programs. Music helped these students better control their muscles and movements, while also releasing the positive energy within them, enhancing their psychological well-being and boosting their morale.

Music’s profound impact on their performance was quickly evident, prompting a decision in the following years to train the teaching staff on using music as an educational tool. Interest in the choir rapidly grew, expanding to include students from all the schools under the Imam Sadr Foundation’s umbrella. What began as a small group of girls has blossomed into a choir of over sixty students, ranging in age from six to sixteen years old.

Girl Singers Who Strengthened Their Personalities and Presence through Art

“Art is the mirror of civilization,” as Imam Musa As-Sadr once said—a promise his institutions continue to uphold through their commitment to cultivating the school choir. This initiative is a key part of the Foundation’s larger mission to build, educate, and empower individuals while promoting human values and the principles of coexistence. The choir has been instrumental in enhancing the personal skills of its members, nurturing a sense of teamwork, challenge, and healthy competition, while also helping to establish strong friendships. For many of the girls—especially orphans and those from less privileged backgrounds—the choir has provided a crucial outlet for self-expression. Their love for art has driven them to achieve professionalism and excellence, earning them widespread admiration and acclaim for their performances.

National Participations
Since its inception, the school choir of the Imam Sadr Foundation has actively participated in various events both within the Foundation and beyond. Some of the most notable performances include:

• 2016: Christmas celebration at St. Elias Church in Kantari, Beirut, alongside artist Abeer Nehme.
  

• 2017: Assumption Day celebration at Maghdoucheh Church with artist Abeer Nehme.
  

• 2017: International Choirs Festival under the direction of Maestro Barkev Taslakian at the Mixed Secondary School Theater in Tyre.
  

• 2018: A special official concert featuring the Lebanese Oriental Orchestra led by Maestro Andre Hajj at the Pierre Abou Khater Theater.
  

• 2019: “Tourism in Lebanon to Tyre” event, supervised by the Minister of Culture Dr. Mohammad Daoud.
  

• 2021: Filming of four works for Independence Day with the Lebanese Oriental Orchestra, conducted by Maestro Andre Hajj.
  

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Music Competitions and Awards
In 2009, the school choir participated for the first time in the “A Choir from Every School” competition, organized as part of the “Zaki Nassif Music Program”. Despite it being their debut, the choir secured second place. The judging panel was chaired by the late Dr. Walid Gholmieh, then President of the Lebanese National Conservatory, and included Dr. Nabil Nassif, Chairperson of the competition, along with experts in vocal expression, diction, solfège, and vocal exercises. Each year, the choir participated in this nationwide competition for Lebanese schools, consistently achieving high rankings, including first place multiple times.

Another notable achievement was in 2013 when the choir took part in a regional competition for southern Lebanese schools held at Lycée Français International Élite under the supervision of the French ambassador. The choir earned first place in this prestigious event as well.