DAMASCUS (AFP) – Lebanese diva Fairuz has taken to the stage to perform in the Syrian capital for the first time in more than 20 years to the rapt delight of her fans. The singer, 73, electrified her audience with a host of favourites on Monday night, including the operetta Sah al-Nawm which tells the story of a village chief who is always sleeping and fails to address the needs of villagers.

"That was marvellous," enthused young doctor Lina after the performance. "I’m in a state of excitement. I feel reborn." Fairuz is widely considered the greatest Arab singer, following the death of Umm Kalthoum, and is hugely popular throughout the Middle East and has performed around the world.

She is to give eight concerts, each time playing to sold-out theatres, but has frustrated more fans than she has pleased, with thousands of Syrians trying in vain to buy the sought-after tickets. "All Syrians want to go and see Fairuz, but there are only 10,000 tickets available," said one fan. Dozens of VIPs, including Syrian Vice President Faruq al-Shara, scooped places for the opening night

The announcement of her planned return to Damascus caused an uproar, with the star forced to issue a statement underlining she was returning to give a musical performance only.

"The controversy was nothing to do with art. It was caused by the tense relations between the Lebanese government and the Syrian regime," wrote the Lebanese daily An-Nahar on Monday.