In the midst of ongoing economic hardship and political uncertainty - times in which many qualified music educators have left Lebanon - the support and encouragement of young musicians has never been more crucial. The demand for high-quality training and professional guidance is immense, especially for students who remain committed to their artistic journey despite challenging circumstances.
Now entering its third edition, the Strings of Hope Mentorship Program takes a step forward: it offers talented pianists from the Lebanese National Conservatory the chance to work closely with an internationally acclaimed artist. In doing so, the program opens artistic horizons, helps preserve valuable expertise in the country, and strengthens the next generation of classical musicians.
Previous editions of the mentorship program, led in Beirut by members of the
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin (DSO), embraced cello, viola, violin, and piano. Given the limited availability of the DSO musicians, the 2025 edition will focus exclusively on one instrument: the piano.
This year’s Strings of Hope – Piano Mentorship Program welcomes distinguished German pianist
Holger Groschopp.
Aimed at advanced piano students of the Conservatory, the mentorship offers intensive work on selected repertoire from the European—and especially the German—piano tradition. Under Holger Groschopp’s guidance, participants will refine their interpretative and technical skills, deepen their understanding of musical style, and cultivate a richer sense of sound and artistic expression.
The 2025 mentees are:
- Faris Abdulal
- Christian Issa
- Rami Tannous
- Elena El Khoury
- Peter Chamoun
The program will take place in person from October 14 to 19, 2025, at the Lebanese National Conservatory of Music in Zokak el Blat, Beirut. Over the course of the week, students will receive daily one-to-one lessons, join workshop discussions, and engage in collaborative reflection and practice sessions.
The week concludes with a mentee concert on
October 19, 2025, at 8:00 PM, New Church Baabdath, presented as part of the Les Musicales de Baabdath festival. Here, the young pianists—Faris Abdulal, Christian Issa, Rami Tannous, Elena El Khoury, and Peter Chamoun—will present the results of their intensive work to a live audience.
Anna El-Khashem, soprano, will perform together with pianist
Holger Groschopp on
October 20, 2025, at 8:00 PM, New Church Baabdath, also within the festival program. This special concert offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience two exceptional international artists in an evening of inspired and demanding music-making.
With Strings of Hope 2025, the Goethe-Institut Libanon proudly continues its mission of cultural exchange and artistic support—celebrating 70 years of fostering dialogue, creativity, and enduring connections through music.
About the artists:
Anna El-Khashem, soprano
Lebanese-Russian-German soprano Anna El-Khashem is acclaimed for her versatile repertoire spanning opera, oratorio, and contemporary music. She has performed with major orchestras and ensembles across the world and is recognized for her expressive stage presence and dedication to advancing vocal music in Europe.
Holger Groschopp, piano
German pianist Holger Groschopp has performed internationally in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Renowned for his interpretations of German and European repertoire, he has collaborated with leading orchestras and chamber ensembles and is a sought-after teacher and mentor, regularly giving masterclasses across Europe.
