Role

:

Ensemble

Country

:

Lebanon

Formed

:

1963 in Deir-El-Amar, Lebanon

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Soeur Marie Keyrouz is a renowned classical music artist who has made significant contributions to the world of music. Born on March 15, 1963, in Deir el Ahmar, Lebanon, she grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. Her father was a singer, and her mother was a painter, which influenced her love for music and the arts from a young age. Keyrouz began her musical journey at the age of six when she joined the choir of the Lebanese Maronite Order. She was trained in the traditional Maronite chant, which is a form of liturgical music that dates back to the early Christian era. Her talent and dedication to music were evident from a young age, and she quickly became a soloist in the choir. In 1980, Keyrouz joined the National Conservatory of Music in Beirut, where she studied music theory, solfeggio, and piano. She also continued her training in the Maronite chant, which she later described as her "musical mother tongue." Her studies at the conservatory helped her to develop her skills as a musician and to broaden her knowledge of music. In 1983, Keyrouz founded the Chœur Byzantin de l'Institut de Musique Sacrée de l'Université Saint-Esprit de Kaslik, which is a choir that specializes in Byzantine chant. The choir quickly gained recognition for its unique sound and style, and Keyrouz became known as a leading expert in Byzantine chant. Keyrouz's talent and dedication to music led to many opportunities to perform around the world. In 1986, she performed at the Festival of Sacred Music in Fes, Morocco, where she received critical acclaim for her performance. She also performed at the Festival of Sacred Music in Paris in 1987, where she was awarded the Grand Prix du Disque for her album "Chant Byzantin." In 1990, Keyrouz founded the Atelier de Recherche des Musiques Arabes, which is a research center that focuses on the study and preservation of traditional Arabic music. The center has become a hub for musicians and scholars who are interested in Arabic music, and it has helped to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Arab world. Keyrouz's dedication to music has earned her many awards and honors throughout her career. In 1994, she was awarded the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government for her contributions to music. In 2003, she was awarded the Médaille de Vermeil de la Ville de Paris for her work in promoting cultural diversity. In 2010, she was awarded the Médaille d'Honneur de la Ville de Beyrouth for her contributions to the cultural life of Beirut. Keyrouz's music has also been featured in many films and documentaries. In 1998, her music was featured in the film "The Last Temptation of Christ," which was directed by Martin Scorsese. Her music has also been featured in the documentaries "The Sacred Music of the Middle East" and "The Music of Islam." In addition to her work as a musician, Keyrouz is also a scholar and a teacher. She has written several books on music, including "Chant Byzantin" and "Les Chants de l'Aube." She has also taught at several universities, including the Sorbonne in Paris and the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Keyrouz's contributions to the world of music have been significant, and her dedication to preserving traditional music has helped to promote cultural diversity and understanding. Her unique sound and style have earned her critical acclaim and a loyal following around the world.

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