NOTRE DAME UNIVERSITY CHOIR

With more than a dozen concerts per season, numerous recordings and publications, as well as many international awards, NDU Choir is one of Lebanon and the region’s outstanding choirs. A broad repertoire, a richly warm sound, an unmistakable interpretation all contribute to make it a permanent partner of the international festivals, and the Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra and its conductors, where it functions as a musical ambassador for Beirut in the great concert halls around the world.
Established in 1993, the Notre Dame University Choir has been shaped by reverend Khalil Rahme o.m.m., who returned to Beirut after completing his music studies in Rome, to found the choir and the School of Music at Notre Dame University
Along with the symphonic choral central repertoire, the annual season programing of the choir includes a wide range of Lebanese music, in close cooperation with celebrated composers, such as Iyad Kanaan, Gabriel Yared and Valentino Miserachs Grau, with the aim of developing and growing the Lebanese choral repertoire. Furthermore, Notre Dame University Choir is constantly developing new and unusual ways of experiencing choral music.

Bechara Moufarrej, tenor

Lebanese tenor Bechara Moufarrej is among the few Lebanese singers to have pursued an international operatic career. After graduating in Lebanon in 2009, he continued his studies in Italy and went on to perform major roles such as Don José (Carmen), Rodolfo (La Bohème), Alfredo (La Traviata), Il Duca (Rigoletto), Ferrando (Così fan tutte), Conte d’Almaviva (Il Barbiere di Siviglia), Don Basilio (Le Nozze di Figaro), and Jago (Otello by Rossini). His concert repertoire includes Rossini’s Stabat Mater and Petite Messe Solennelle, Mozart’s Requiem and Masses, Verdi’s Requiem, and Puccini’s Messa di Gloria.

He has performed with the Bayerische Staatsoper, Opéra de Paris, Royal Albert Hall, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Clonter Opera, and with the Lebanese and Qatar Philharmonic Orchestras, appearing at major festivals including Al Bustan, Abu Dhabi, Suoni Dal Golfo, and Beirut Chants. He has worked with Deborah Voigt, James Morgan, Toufic Maatouk, and Gianluca Marcianò, and has given masterclasses in China, Serbia, Lebanon, France, and Romania.

After the Beirut Port explosion, he collaborated with the Bayerische Staatsoper to produce Salāmī Li Bayrūt, a tribute to Beirut whose proceeds supported rebuilding efforts and families affected by the tragedy.

A member of the Peace and Prosperity Trust in London, he currently divides his time between London and Serbia.

Fr. KHALIL RAHME

After completing his studies in philosophy, theology and music in Rome, Fr. Khalil Rahme returned to Beirut in 1993 to found the Notre Dame University Choir and School of Music, in addition to his entrusted tasks at the Lebanese National Conservatory of Music (choir director and music formation instructor).
As a renowned composer, his catalogue lists several motets, oratorios, and chamber and film music. Rahme is also founder and artistic director of the Lebanese Pipe Organ Week (SOL Festival), a yearly festival promoting pipe organ music. He is appointed Chaplain General of the Sovereign Order of Malta in Lebanon.