Since its foundation, the Assyrian Arts Institute (AAI) has been working tirelessly to bring Assyrian arts and artists to the the forefront by engaging in high standard and professional presentations, exhibitions and concerts.
Nora Betyousef Lacey
Nora Betyousef Lacey is the founder and chair of the executive committee of the Institute. She says that the aims and objectives of their organisation are to share and highlight Assyrian art to non-Assyrian communities. This is just one of the ways that she hopes to increase awareness about our people.
Most recently, the AAI brought Assyrian artist and world renowned Oud player Omar Bashir to the US. He is the son of Muneer Bashir and nephew of Jamil Bashir, two of the Middle East's most celebrated musicians. Joining Omar in this concert was Assyrian vocalist Ilona Danho (SE) and Assyrian painter Nahrin Malki (NL).
Poster for Omar Bashir concert (AAI)
Currently the AAI is presenting Verdi’s opera "Nabucco", staged by and in collaboration with West Bay Opera in Palo Alto, CA.
Verdi’s opera Nubbucco (AAI)
The AAI's upcoming project is the “The Joy of Christmas”, a concert series with the AAI’s Assyrian Women ensemble. This Christmas event brings together local and overseas performers of Assyrian heritage to sing Christmas Carols in the Assyrian language.
December 6th @ Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph in downtown San Jose California.
December 7th at Snider Hall at Stanislaus University campus in Turlock California
December 8th at Morgan Estate in Los Altos Hills California.
Assyrian Arts Institute’s Assyrian Women ensemble
Painting by Paul Batou
