Lebanese artist, Marcel Khalifeh The 14th International Lute Festival in Tetouan in northern Morocco, opens on May 17. The festival, organised by the Ministry of Culture and Tetouan province will last for three days, with the participation of some of the most remarkable lute musicians, one of whom is top Lebanese artist, Marcel Khalifeh, who has been honoured with a Royal distinction from Morocco's King Mohammed VI.
According to a  press release, this year's festival has participants from many Moroccan, Arab and international musicians, including the Mohammed Beitmez and Rachid Bin Saleh band. The festival will also present new musical styles this year, with the lute featuring either as a solo instrument or accompanied by guitars, violins, percussion, flutes, zithers and other instruments.
During the  festival,  Moroccan musician Mohammed Belkhayat will be honoured for his contribution to Moroccan music while musicians from Turkey will be the honourary guests at the festival, in the form of a number of the best Turkish lute musicians.
The festival will be held at the historic Espagnol  theatre in Tetouan, with musicians from special guests Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq, France and Ivory Coast.