Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music

Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music is one of the best public education facilities located in Beirut that specializes in teaching, conservation, and research of music. The conservatory is a national institution that is autonomous and governed by the Ministry of Culture of Lebanon. The training programs include not only Western classical music but also music of the Orient. Besides being the national musicological archives and the musicological center, LNHCM includes several regional facilities all over Lebanon located in Tripoli, Jounieh, Zahlé, Sidon, and Aley. Moreover, LNHCM administers many state orchestras including Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra and Lebanese Oriental Orchestra.

It originated from 1910 when Wadih Sabra, a Lebanese composer who wrote the Lebanese national anthem, founded the School of Music that became the National Conservatory of Music in 1929. In 1959, it was recognized as an autonomous national institution in Lebanon, witnessing great artistic development until the start of the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990). During this period, much of the conservatory's building, libraries, archives, and even musical instruments were damaged. Post-war reconstruction, spearheaded by a renowned composer, Dr. Walid Gholmieh, made it possible for the conservatory to operate again in 1991 and later in 1995 by an official decree, it was declared a National Institution of Higher Education.

The Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music is still an important element in preserving culture, fostering artistic skills, and maintaining high standards in music in Lebanon and the entire Arab world. This organization provides a curriculum that covers various aspects of music including Western and Oriental instruments, music theory, composition, and singing. Managed orchestras from this institution conduct many national and international concerts which enhance the cultural heritage of the nation through classical and traditional music.