The Edward Said National Conservatory of Music ( ESNCM) -Birzeit University is pleased to announce the preparations for the launching of the 2014 ‘Layali Al-Milad’ Christmas Nights Festival expected to commence from November 23rd – January 17th, 2015.  The Festival will mainly take place in the City of Bethlehem with a number of performances in Hebron, Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Nablus.

This year the 2014 ‘Layali Al-Milad’ Christmas Nights festival is under the auspicious of the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in addition to the municipalities of Bethlehem, Beit Jala and Beit Sahour.  The festival anticipates presenting a vast selection of music genres including Arabic and Western music exclusively adapted for this special occasion. The second edition of the festival will include hosting sixteen local, Arab, and international music groups from various countries such as Jordan, Russia, Sri Lanka, Italy, Slovakia and Canada.

Festival celebrations aim to revitalize the cultural scene through a wide spectrum of music performances that aim to create a pleasant and joyful atmosphere for the city and its residents in festivity with the birth of Jesus Christ and the New Year.  ESNCM Bethlehem branch director Jalil Elias says, “The festival will be characterized by the precise and adequate interaction with our professional partner institutions and the local community, where every partner is dedicated towards producing a festival that is befitting of the birthplace of Jesus Christ and the guests who are celebrating Christmas.  Cooperation will be at its highest level ensuring the hosted guests will be adequately treated including but not limited to their transportation throughout the city, accommodations and their overall satisfaction.”

Furthermore, festival performances held this year will be in the kind and generous support of the following; Italian Consulate General in Jerusalem, PALTEL Group, European Union, Bethlehem Development Foundation, Russian, Sri Lankan and Slovakian Consulates,  , Yabous Cultural Centre-Jerusalem, Bethlehem University, Dyar Group, Peace Center, Municipalities of Beit Jala, Beit Sahour and Bethlehem, Holy Mother of God Church-Bethlehem, Annunciation Church-Beit Jala, Catholic Church-Beit Sahour, and Mission Choir, Russian Center, Arab Women Federation, The Palestinian Child Home Center- Hebron, Publications will be sponsored by Creative Art and Rai Companies, Media sponsorship includes Maan News Agency and Mawwal Radio Station-Bethlehem.

A press conference will be held on November 20th, 2014 to officially announce the launching of the festival activities.