BEIRUT: As the cavernous exhibition hall at the Beirut International Exhibition and Leisure center was fitted out for a concert, a dozen singers held a cappella rehearsal on stage.

The group’s origins are unusual – it was founded by doctors. Heartbeat, a Lebanese NGO that raises money to treat children with congenital heart defects, is preparing to hold its 10th anniversary concert. Born of a band of musically talented doctors, its annual concerts have funded lifesaving surgery for more than 2,000 affected children.

The condition is highly prevalent, and if left untreated, fatal.

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