glorious land. My desire has been to show love, gratitude and respect for becoming an American citizen, and a patriot of the “land of the Free”.
Shipments of LA City surplus equipment, medical supplies, ambulances, and a fire truck are some of the items donated to the city of Beirut. Three beautifully designed benches carrying the
You serve on the board of many cultural institutions – including the Los Angeles Beirut Sister City organisation, which was established in 2005. What are the goals of this body? I am now serving as President of LABSC and have been honoured to be a founding member of this wonderful organization. The goals of this body are to foster good will and pave a path of cultural, social/relational, and economical collaborations, as well as planning activities that will certainly strengthen the ties of our two cities, Los Angeles and Beirut. Its focus is to connect “people to people” and develop healthy relationships that will equip future generations to develop stronger ties among these nations.
Cedar Tree emblem were installed by LABSC in front of LA City Hall in commemoration of the twinning of these two sister cities. Three major galas, official receptions, Beirut City Council members’ visitations and local sister city activities have been most important efforts in promoting the mission of our organization both in LA and Beirut. Additional activities can be viewed by consulting the website at www.labeirut.org What do you hope to achieve in the future, in your own career, and as a representative for the Lebanese community? “Music is the universal language of mankind” (Longfellow). My mission as conductor, teacher,
What are some of the things the LABSC has done to help the Lebanese American community? Our activities have been quite varied and most creative. After our official delegation visit to Lebanon for the signing ceremony, and in spite of the 2006 war, I was able as the cultural chair, to organize and lead our first major cultural exchange. The 2007 Los Angeles concert tour/visit of the Notre Dame University Chorale from Lebanon to Southern California, was warmly received and successfully executed.
artistic director, community leader, wife and mother is to use this incredible gift of music to “make a difference” and leave behind a legacy of excellence in the arts and through the arts. My life is lived as a performance and not as a rehearsal. I will not wait till tomorrow to give my all, perform my best, or teach with passion, I intend to do this today and every day. Most importantly, I choose to sign off each day in the manner that Bach and Handel chose: “Soli Deo Gloria”---“Only for the Glory of God”