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Mesopotamian Night Debuts in Chicago

by Atorina Zomaya, Mesopotamian Night Chicago. April 07, 2014.

Posted: Monday, April 07, 2014 at 07:33 AM UT

Mesopotamian Night

Mesopotamian Night will debut in Chicago, after making its name in California. Artists from all over the world will take the stage and lead the audience through a wondrous journey, mapped by songs, traditional dance, and unique storytelling. Known once as “the land between two rivers,” Mesopotamia’s influence has lived on. Mesopotamian Night gives individuals the opportunity to experience one of the world’s oldest cultures in a way that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The night will celebrate the magnificent traditions of the Assyrian people, preserving the rich history for generations to come.

The Lyres of Ur are the oldest surviving string instruments, excavated nearly a century ago from what is considered the cradle of civilization. Intricately-crafted, the lyres are not only instruments, but works of art. Each piece has its own unique design, decorated with the head of a bull. They are adorned with gold, rare stones, and detailed with color. The lyres, though simple instruments, tell the story of an ancient world and an unrivaled past.

6,000 years of Mesopotamian history has left an endless trail of culture inspired by music, myths, and legendary tales. Follow it as these stories come to life in one night, weaving together a love of art and literature with exquisite performances.

The production will explore the glorious heritage and the ways it has evolved in the modern age. Festivities will begin with a cocktail reception, including a silent auction, followed immediately by the concert. The performances feature internationally-renowned vocal artists accompanied by a chamber orchestra, blending together the old and the new. A distinguished Chicago-based ballet company will deliver a riveting performance that captures the spirit that has defined the Assyrians for centuries. A charming operetta will give the night a look at traditional Assyrian customs. Audiences can also expect colorful folk dances throughout the evening.

Since its establishment in 2007, Mesopotamian Night has enchanted audiences. The mission of the concert is to celebrate the Assyrian arts, promote the rich culture of Assyrian-Americans, and to preserve the legacy of the Assyrians in the homeland for future generations. The organization is entirely non-for-profit, with all proceeds benefiting the Assyrian Aid Society of America’s Save the Language Project and local Chicago charities that will be announced over the course of the upcoming months.

Mesopotamian Night is one-night only. For more information and to stay up-to-date, visit mesonight.org.

Related Information

Fine Arts Forum

Assyrian Fine Arts Network