Born in Byblos and now based in France, Philipe el Hage is a quintessential student of music. Barely out of his 20s, he has studied music at the prestigious Boulogne Billancou; obtained a first prize in piano under the tutelage of piano virtuoso, Chantale Riou; and in 2005 was nominated for the Paris Young Talents 2005 Contest. He released a debut album dedicated to Byblos, his hometown, and Francois Popineau quickly recorded second, Sunday Afternoon, only a year later with his quartet. So it is clear that Philipe can play the piano but institutional achievements aside, the Monot show is shaping up be a crystallisation of all he has learned and achieved on his journey from Lebanon. His concert here in Beirut will see him performing the best there is in near eastern oriental jazz and classical improvisation.