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Iraq: Historic Performance with Iraq National Symphony Orchestra
On February 17, 2007, American Voices participated in a historic concert held at the Al Rasheed Hotel and sponsored by the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.
Featuring Vocalist and Dancer Michael Parks Masterson and pianist John Ferguson, the concert culminated in a joint performance with the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra performing in jazz and Broadway repertoire for the first time in its history.
Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Karen Hughes made a brief appearance at the concert. Her arrival and short speech coincided with the joint performance which resulted in a standing ovation from the mostly Iraqi audience.
Additional days of the 11-day project in Baghdad included workshops with dancers from the School of Music and Dance as well as with the National Folk Dance Ensemble of Iraq.
This concert was also significant in being the first U.S. Embassy sponsored concert of its kind in Iraq since the beginning of the current conflict. Despite the concert’s location in the National Zone, the concert was able to reach a broader Iraqi audience through television rebroadcast of the performance nationwide.
There was extensive television coverage including, Al Hurra TV, ABC and Associated Press. Associated Press will distribute to all Iraqi broadcasters increasing the possibilites for viewing within Iraq and the region.
Kirkuk Workshops
