Under the theme “Echoes of Faith, Voices of Heritage,” Friends of Jordan  Festivals, in cooperation with the Delegation of the European Union to Jordan, will  present Messiah, one of the most celebrated works of sacred music, at the historic  site of Mukawir (Machaerus) on 12 September 2026. 

Mukawir holds special significance as the site traditionally associated with the  martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, making it a particularly fitting setting for  Messiah, a work that explores themes of faith, redemption, and hope. 

The performance will bring together a distinguished ensemble of musicians and soloists from the European and Jordanian music scenes, alongside the Hungarian State Opera Orchestra and Choir, in an artistic encounter that brings together international musical expertise and a Jordanian artistic career represented on some of the world’s leading stages. The performance will feature French tenor Kaëlig Boché, French mezzo-soprano Julia Deit-Ferrand, French baritone Jean-Gabriel Saint-Martin, alongside Jordanian soprano Dima Bawab, in a performance that reflects cultural dialogue through music and offers audiences an exceptional artistic experience at the heart of the historic site of Mukawir.

Marking the occasion, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr. Emad  Hijazeen, said: 

"Jordan has long been, and will always remain, a safe haven and a beacon of  peace, stability, moderation, and religious coexistence. Home to some of the  world's most significant Christian pilgrimage and heritage sites, the Kingdom  continues to preserve and protect humanity's shared religious and cultural  heritage. Under the Hashemite Custodianship of the Islamic and Christian Holy  Sites in Jerusalem, Jordan remains steadfast in safeguarding the sacred  heritage of Jordan and Palestine and in promoting the values of peace, mutual  respect, and interfaith dialogue. Today, we proudly launch a cultural and spiritual  journey towards the global commemorations of St. John the Baptist in 2030. This  initiative reflects our commitment to preserving our shared heritage while  strengthening Jordan's position as a leading destination for Christian pilgrimage,  cultural tourism, and international dialogue." 

In his turn, The European Union Ambassador to Jordan, Pierre-Christophe  Chatzisavas, added: 

“The European Union has long supported the preservation and development of  historical sites across Jordan, including Mukawir. This project aims notably to  enhance sustainable cultural heritage initiatives and strengthen the ability of civil  society actors to collaborate in preserving and promoting cultural heritage.

The European Union Delegation supports this initiative as part of its continued  commitment to safeguarding Jordan's cultural heritage and advancing culture as a  driver of sustainable development and community engagement. 

The initiative reinforces the Kingdom's role as a meeting place of civilizations,  faiths, and cultures and its unique position as a destination for religious and cultural  tourism. It also seeks to honour the legacy of St. John the Baptist through one of the  most important works of sacred music and to acknowledge Jordan’s contribution to  peaceful coexistence and intercultural dialogue across and beyond the Middle East.” 

The event is also supported by the Jordan Tourism Board, Royal Jordanian, Goethe Institut Jordan, and the Embassy of Hungary in Jordan. It forms part of the European  Union’s broader commitment to promoting Jordan’s unique cultural heritage  through community-centred initiatives that support sustainable economic  development.