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 You are in: Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs > Bureau of Public Affairs > Bureau of Public Affairs: Electronic Information and Publications Office > Photo Gallery > Photos by Regions and Topics > Near East > Iraq > 2007 

National Unity Performing and Visual Arts Academy

Press Release

The U.S. Embassy, in conjunction with not-for-profit organization American Voices and the Kurdish Regional Government Ministry of Culture united five Iraqi Orchestras on one stage this July, as part of The National Unity Performing and Visual Arts Academy . The Academy -- the first project of its kind in Iraq -- provided a cross cultural educational experience to nearly 300 of the country's aspiring performers.

A team of ten renowned American music, dance and theater instructors visited Northern Iraq , creating a ten day training camp for young Iraqi artists. In addition to providing free training, the academy united all of Iraq 's four orchestras, as well as a newly formed Youth Orchestra, on one stage for a performance at the culmination of the program. (Photo credit: Michael T. Luongo)

Click on the photos below for larger versions and captions.

National Unity Orchestra with all five symphonies on stage, with more than 100 musicians. Horn section from Iraqi symphony orchestra Bass player from Sulaimaniyah Orchestra. Kurdish thespian team members [in costume] before dress rehearsal. Traditional flute player from Iraqi folk dance troupe.
Iraqi National Folk Dance Troupe Jwany To o ,Your beauty, Michael Parks Masterson leading budding Hip Hop dancers. Iraqi National Ballet performs scene from Sleeping Beauty. The Iraqi Minister of Culture, Mr. Falaka AL Deen Kakay, speaks to an embassy employee.

 


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