126th Public Affairs Operations Center

Story by Pfc. Nicole Tennis

By Pfc. Nicole J. Tennis
126th Public Affairs Operations Center

BAGHDAD - As the lights dimmed, members of the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra led by Director Krim Wasfi took center stage in Al-Zawra'a Hall at the Al Rashed Hotel.

More than 500 guests were in attendance for this momentous event.

The INSO is one of the oldest orchestras in the region, with its beginnings going back to the 1940s, said Wasfi.

U.S. Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker was the first up to the lectern to welcome Iraqi officials, local nationals, state department employees and servicemembers to this event. Crocker expressed his appreciation to the INSO for their commitment to artistic and social progress.

Born in Cairo, Egypt, Wasfi started learning how to play the cello at 6 years old at the Music School, Baghdad, Iraq. He went on to study at universities in both the U.S. and Egypt.

Wasfi graced the audience with the sound of his cello during the opening piece by Iraqi composer Husam Al Ansari "Tathini". The INSO performed four pieces by different Iraqi composers during the first half of the event.

After the intermission the INSO returned to perform four pieces by American composers. During Aaron Copland's "Lincoln Portrait," U.S. Ambassador to Bahrain Adam Ereil came to the stage to read the text.

Ahmed Mahmood Hamed was solo pianist for the final piece, George Gershwin's 1924 "Rhapsody in Blue". Mahmood was born in Baghdad and has been studying music since the age of six. He now teaches piano at the Music and Ballet School and attends Baghdad University where he will soon receive his degree in dental surgery.

The concert ended with a standing ovation from everyone in the crowd.

Navy Seaman 2nd Class Jonathan P. McDonald, Joint Contracting Command Iraq and Afghanistan, said the afternoon was entertaining and brought back memories of home. He also said it was a great way to help people understand and experience each other's culture.

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