معرفی
Nizar Ballout (also known as Nizar Fares) is a musician, musicologist, and director of the Middle East Astaza! Music Ensemble at Boston College's Department of Music since January 2016. He holds a PhD in musicology from Holy Spirit University and has been a recording artist since 2000, specializing in early and modern Christian music repertoires across Syriac, Assyrian, Chaldean, and Arabic traditions. His work includes over 19 albums for children, youth, and adults, blending musical education with humanitarian outreach.
Education: Three Master's degrees (M.A.) and a PhD from Holy Spirit University. He teaches MUSP1660: Middle East Astaza! Music Ensemble at Boston College.
Research interests focus on Middle Eastern musical traditions, Arabic vocal techniques, early Christian music, and the therapeutic applications of music. His global lectures and performances emphasize cultural preservation and interfaith dialogue.
Through his non-profit Nizar Fares Global Ministry (NFGM), he serves refugees via music-based programs like the Overseas Sponsoring Program for Displaced Children, combining music education with humanitarian aid. Past initiatives include mission trips, relief work, and workshops in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, and Iraq.
Notable collaborations include work with Agapée Choir, Jesus Ma Joie group, and Strongholds band. His music spans liturgical hymns, contemporary worship, and cultural revival projects.
