SAN JOSE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 05/30/14 -- A celebration of Ancient Middle Eastern Music and performing arts hits new heights with "A" list Bay Area celebrities bolstering the venue. Anna Eshoo and Narsai David among the latest planning to attend The Seventh Annual Mesopotamian Night (www.mesopotamiannight.org) Gala on Saturday, June 21 at the California Theatre in San Jose, California. Now a tradition, this event is heralded for its role in uncovering precious ethnic arts and cultural traditions of contemporary Assyrian people.
"Mesopotamian Night has become an annual celebration of the rich and diverse Assyrian culture. Exposing audiences to truly magnificent works of art and performances from current and past Assyrian artists. The range of sights and sounds is truly astounding -- from musical and dance performances to fine art displays. Let's not forget the wonderful culinary reception too," said Narsai David, Bay Area food and wine celebrity. "As an Assyrian immigrant myself, I am both proud and amazed at the diversity and breadth of art assembled from our community. At the same time, money raised through this event helps fund desperately needed education projects in the Homeland."
"The Assyrian Aid Society is a premier organization that has effectively aided Assyrians in the Middle East. Their efforts are essential to helping protect and preserve the ancient Assyrian communities," said California Representative Anna G. Eshoo. "As part of their ongoing efforts, the Mesopotamian Night Project will support our people and expose audiences to the rich art and culture of modern day Assyrians."
"It is truly an honor to have such distinguished guests take such an interest in promoting Assyrian art and helping to engage new and diverse audiences to our rich heritage," said the event's Executive Producer, Tony Khoshaba. "This year's production will truly be a sight to see and I am excited at the response we have received."
The dazzling evening begins with a ballet of The Little Lantern written by Ghassan Kanafani choreographed by the Assyrian ballerina Sherene Melania of the internationally-acclaimed Presidio Dance Theatre. Audiences will then be delighted by, Maestro John Kendall Bailey, acclaimed Bay Area conductor, leading the Mesopotamia Choral Ensemble and symphony orchestra in a choral repertoire of the Assyrian composer Alexander Shoora Michaelian. The evening concludes with stunning new arrangements of the music of Assyrian singer Ogin Betsamo and a live auction of dazzling fine art.
Tickets can be purchased directly at the theatre box office or Mesopotamian Night online or directly, without a service fee, by contacting Sabrina Abraham at (408) 921-2401 or sabrinaabraham@mac.com.
About Mesopotamian Night
The Mesopotamian Night Project was founded in 2007 by the Central Valley Chapter of the Assyrian Aid Society of America, under the guidance of Chapter President Tony Khoshaba and Director Fred Isaac, to generate an awareness and appreciation of Assyrian visual and performing arts. Promoting Assyrian artists and musicians, Mesopotamian Night has been providing a new and visually stunning venue for these artists to showcase their talents while at the same time making a significant contribution to the production, documentation and revival of lost Assyrian art and music in various forms from classical, to opera, to folklore and even pop music. In addition, The Mesopotamian Night Project has raised significant funds that have served in helping humanitarian and cultural projects of the Assyrian Aid Society of America.
Hosted in Modesto, California for the first four years, the successful venture soon outgrew its humble home and sought larger more diverse markets and settings. Hosting the first of its kind, a full production of an Assyrian theatrical play, the fifth Mesopotamian Nights opened in Mountain View, California in 2012 to a sold-out performance. Fueled by the passionate contributions of artists, this success story has only been made possible by the hard work of members and artists, and the generous support of sponsors.
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Media Contacts:
Tony Khoshaba
Executive Producer
(408) 644-1591
Email Contact
Ramin Ekhtiar
BluePoint Communications
(408) 400-3600
Email Contact
