In 2010, again, the Baalbeck International Festival, the oldest and the most prestigious festival in the Middle East, sees the participation of great names. The festival is expected to attract crowds from all over the world to attend the amazing line-up set for this years promising festival. The Festival will start on 24 June with an extraordinary Pop concert hosted at The Courtyard of the two Temples, the Pop Music Genius of the beginning of the 21st century Mika. On 9 July, Jazz lovers will get a double pleasure with two Jazz concerts in one night with Kevin Mahogany Quintet and Odean Pope’s All Star Nonet at the Courtyard of the two Temples. On 17 July, the Orkiestra Sinfonietta Cracovia directed by Penderecki will perform at the Courtyard of the two Temples celebrating Chopin Bicentenary. The programme will feature: Beethoven: Egmont overture, Penderecki: cello concerto with cello soloist Rafal Kwiatkowski and Chopin: 1st piano concerto in e minor op. 11 with piano soloist Krzysztof Jablonski. On 24 July, the Boris Eifman Ballet Theatre of ST. PETERSBURG presents a ballet performance of “Anna Karenina” – also expected to perform a breathtaking show at the Courtyard of the two Temples. On 31 July, the esteemed musician Naseer Shamma along with 30 musicians are also getting ready for a memorable night at the old city with a performance by Naseer and the House of Oud Orchestra at the Courtyard of the two Temples. On 5, 6 and 7 August, “Too Much Love … Kills”, a musical extravaganza by Melhem Barakat & Ghassan Rahbani, shows at The Courtyard of the two Temples. The musical concentrates on the conflict between Eastern and Western music. The main plot, music composition, and main roles are by Melhem Barakat and Ghassan Rahbani. Script, direction, and production by Ghassan Rahbani. Ranya El Hajj with the collaboration of Pierre Chamoun will be on stage accompanied by 100 artists; actors dancers and back ups. A rich, colourful and joyful Lebanese musical… President May Arida wishes "that the world at large realises that Lebanon is and will always be a country of culture, hospitality and peace and that the Baalbeck International Festival has been the artistic cultural and touristic event of the most significant importance in the Middle East since 54 years.”