The Assyrian Arts Institute (AAI) is an arts-focused nonprofit organization committed to preserving and showcasing the rich artistic heritage of the Assyrian nation. Our mission is to bring the culture of the stateless Assyrian people to a global audience through performances, exhibitions, and scholarships. As Assyrians face an uncertain future in their homeland, it is crucial to connect our ancient roots to the modern world. The universal language of the arts plays a powerful role in fostering understanding and ensuring that the Assyrian identity remains visible, vibrant, and celebrated.

AAI’s milestone project, Gilgamesh—a 120-minute opera inspired by the Epic of Gilgamesh, one of humanity’s oldest and most treasured stories—will premiere on March 28, 2026, at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts in the Los Angeles metroplex. In furthering our mission and celebrating this renaissance, we are thrilled to offer a carefully curated selection of exclusive opportunities to our most generous supporters. These once-in-a-lifetime experiences are designed to create unforgettable memories.

We are deeply grateful for your interest in the work of AAI and in our production of Gilgamesh, the opera. Your support is vital in helping us bring this groundbreaking project to life. By underwriting one of the exceptional offerings below, you will contribute directly to preserving and promoting the iconic Gilgamesh story and Assyrian culture and ensure that the Assyrian arts continue to inspire future generations. Join us on this remarkable journey!

Sponsor an Artist

Sponsor one of the gifted artist who brings the characters of the timeless Gilgamesh, the opera to life on stage, transforming a legendary tale into a breathtaking production that will captivate the audiences.

Sponsorship Tiers:

1. Lead Role Sponsor for Gilgamesh: 10 sponsorships available at $20,000 each.
Support the heart of the opera by sponsoring the iconic role of Gilgamesh, portrayed in both his youth and later years.

• Recognition Benefits:
  • Acknowledgment as a “Lead Role Sponsor” in the program book, website, and social media.
  • Personalized thank-you note from the artist you sponsored.
  • Two VIP tickets to the exclusive Gilgamesh, the opera showing and premiere.
  • Backstage access to meet the lead artist and other performers.
  • Signed program book and a photo opportunity with sponsored artist and the cast.
  • Private dinner or cocktail hour with cast members.

2. Supporting Role Sponsor for Ishtar and Enkidu: 10 sponsorships available at $10,000 each.
Play a pivotal part in bringing these legendary characters to life—Ishtar, the goddess of beauty, love and war, and Enkidu, the wild man and companion to Gilgamesh.

• Recognition Benefits:
  • Acknowledgment as a “Supporting Role Sponsor” in the program book, website and social media.
  • Personalized Thank-you note from the artist you sponsored.
  • Two premium tickets to either the exclusive showing or the premiere.
  • Private dinner or cocktail hour with cast members.

3. Conductor Sponsor: 10 sponsorships available at $5,000 each.
Support an exceptional music conductor whose leadership will inspire innovative musical direction, elevate the opera’s performances, and contribute to a legacy of artistic excellence.

• Recognition Benefits:
  • Acknowledgment as a “Conductor’s Sponsor” in the program book, website and social media.
  • Personalized Thank-you note from the conductor.
  • Two premium tickets to the premiere.

4. Cast Member Sponsor: 25 sponsorships available at $2,000 each.
Support the talented performers who bring the rich tapestry of characters in Gilgamesh to life. These roles add depth and vibrancy to the epic tale.

• Recognition Benefits:
  • Acknowledgment as a “Cast Member Sponsor” in the program book and on the website, and social media.
  • Acknowledgment in a group thank-you on social media.
  • Two complimentary tickets to the premiere performance.

Cast Members:

• Dancers
  • SHAMHAT – Ishtar’s maiden who civilized Enkidu. Sponsored by Kaki Hockersmith.
  • HANDMAIDENS OF ISHTAR – Temple priestesses, a role tied to religious practices, and attendants to goddess of Ishtar.
  • BRIDE – Symbolizes the oppression of the people of Uruk.
  • GROOM – Symbol of the oppression and silent suffering by the men of Uruk.
  • PEOPLE OF URUK – The collective voice of humanity.
  • ASSYRIAN SOLDIERS – Protected king Gilgamesh and accompanied him in battles and wars.
  • HUMBABA – a giant or monstrous guardian of the Cedar Forest.
  • BULL OF HEAVEN – A divine creature sent by goddess Ishtar for divine retribution.

• Singers
  •  APSU – god of fresh water
  • TIAMAT – goddess of salt water
  • NINSUN – Mother of Gilgamesh, goddess of wisdom, Granter of Long and Prosperous Life
  • EA/ENKI – god of creation, wisdom, and magic.  Protector of humanity.
  • ANU – god of sky and havens; king of gods.  Sponsored by Dobrina Betyordokom
  • ENLIL – god of creation and destruction, atmosphere (air, winds, storm, and hurricane), [Son of Anu…] not fond of Humans.  Sponsored by Dr. Edmond Gahramani
  • ERESHKIGAL – goddess of underworld, sister of Ishtar, associated with death and afterlife.
  • SIDURI – Woman of wisdom and hospitality.
  • SHAMASH – The sun god.  Brother of Ishtar & Ereshkigal. Shamash is a wise judge and lawgiver.
  • SIN – The moon god.  As a lunar deity, he has a prominent role in regulating the cycle of time, provides guidance and foresight.
  • UTNAPISHTIM – The immortal survivor of the Great Flood [biblical name:  Noah]
  • UTNAPISHTIM’S WIFE – Instrumental in helping Gilgamesh learn about Plant of Youth.

5. Ensemble Sponsor: 50 sponsorships available at $1,000 each.
Be part of the collective heartbeat of the opera by supporting the talented ensemble that brings the world of Gilgamesh to life.

• Recognition Benefits:
  • Acknowledgment as an “Ensemble Sponsor” in the program book, on the website, and social media.
  • Acknowledgment in a group thank-you on social media.
  • Two complimentary tickets to the premiere performance.

• • 2 Flutes
  • 1 Oboe
  • 1 Clarinet
  • 1 Bassoon

• • 2 Horns
  • 2 Trumpets
  • 1 Trombone
  • 1 Bass Trombone

• • 1 Timpani player
  • 1 Percussionist

• • 1 Harp
  • 2 Synth players
  • 1 Electronics player

• • 7x1st Violins
  • 6x2nd Violins
  • 5 Violas
  • 3 Cellos
  • 2 Double Basses

• • 1 Nay
  • 1 Qanun
  • 1 Duduk
  • 1 Tamboura
  • 1 Zurna
  • 1 Dawoola
  • 1 Daf

Play an Extra on Stage

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Gilgamesh during the opera’s premiere on March 28, 2026. With a $5,000 donation to AAI, you’ll secure your place as a citizen of Uruk at the wedding scene, an Assyrian soldier in the preparation-for-war scene, or wherever your presence is needed.

Get outfitted in a stunning period costume and step into the spotlight alongside world-class artists. Seize this opportunity to become an Extra—an essential presence that adds depth and magic to the stage. With only 10 spots available, secure yours today!

Private Seats at the Theater Box

Elevate your Gilgamesh Opera experience with a private theater box for up to eight guests at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts. Choose between the exclusive VIP showing on Friday, March 27, 2026, or the grand premiere on Saturday, March 28, 2026, and enjoy unparalleled views of the stage from the most sought-after seating in the house.

From this luxurious vantage point, immerse yourself in the artistry of this world-class opera with an atmosphere of sophistication and elegance while relishing the exclusivity of a setting designed to see and be seen.

Secure your private box now to claim your place in this unforgettable cultural moment.

• Lower-Level Premium Box Seating: $10,000 per box
• Middle-Level Wider-View Box Seating: $5,000 per box
• Upper-Level Bird’s-Eye Box Seating: $2,000 per box

Create Your Own Legacy

Follow in the footsteps of Gilgamesh and create your own legacy as a Founding Sponsor of the original music for Gilgamesh, the opera. With a donation of $25,000, you, your organization, or those you designate will receive prominent, permanent recognition as Founding Sponsors of the official music score of Gilgamesh, the opera and will be linked to this monumental cultural achievement in perpetuity.

More than just sponsorship, this is a rare opportunity to become part of art history, be celebrated as a distinguished patron of the Assyrian arts and play a vital role in reviving the timeless story of King Gilgamesh for future generations.

Credits shall appear as follows:

Gilgamesh
Based on the Epic of Gilgamesh
Music by Derrick Skye
Libretto by Diana Farrell
Commissioned by the Assyrian Arts Institute
With generous support of the:
Nora Betyousef Foundation
Naby Frye Assyrian Fund for Culture
Bernadet and Yooshieh Gahramani
(Other donors listed here as applicable)

In addition, you will receive the following Recognition Benefits:

• Two VIP tickets to the exclusive Gilgamesh opera showing and premiere.
• Founding Sponsor listing in the program book, website, social media, and promotional materials.

Together, let us create history and ensure your legacy echoes through this timeless musical journey.

Assyrian Arts Institute is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (EIN#81-4638366) and your donation is tax-deductible. Consult your accountant for details. Your donation will be matched, creating twice the impact. This offer is available for a limited time only, and numbers are subject to change without prior notice.