Introducing @EsquireMiddleEast’s July/August cover star, world-renowned Lebanese-Armenian pianist and composer @guymanoukian Despite not coming from a musical family, Manoukian was a musical prodigy – playing the piano at the age of four and, by the age of eight, he had performed at the Presidential Palace in Lebanon and was writing his own compositions. His first solo performance was in Beirut to a crowd of 1,000 people. He was just 16. Now, 46 years old, the Lebanese-Armenian musician and producer is widely loved by audiences across the globe for pioneering a crossover style that melds the allure and mystique of traditional Arabic music with contemporary Western instrumental arrangements. His talent has led to performing on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including the London Palladium, Her Majesty’s Theatre in London, the Sydney Opera House, and holding the accolade of playing (and selling out) the Dubai Opera six times – more than any other solo act in history. “I pride myself on being able to see talent in places where other people wouldn’t look,” he says, “because in so many ways that is my story,” says Manoukian. Read more through the link in our bio. #guymanoukian Editor in Chief: @mrpeaker Publication: @esquiremiddleeast Talent: @guymanoukian Photography: @mattiaholm Styling: @nourbozz Hair and Make-Up: @gaelsastremakeup Photography Assistant: @Jeffery_zamora15 Lighting: Bachir Abi Rashid Location Coordination: @karinaananenkova Fashion Assistant: @dharagandhistylist Fashion: @maisonvalentino