Press Releases
U.S. EMBASSY BAGHDAD
Office of the Spokesman
__________________________________________________________________________
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 15, 2012
U.S. Embassy Baghdad and “American Voices” Present Music Classes and a Concert with Iraqi Students during Black History Month
U.S. Embassy Baghdad and performing group “American Voices” presented music classes and a concert for Iraqi students from February 7-11, 2012. During the visit, pianist John Ferguson and choreographer and vocalist Michael Parks Masterson held master classes for Iraqi students from the School of Music and Ballet, the Women’s Institute of Fine Arts, and the Boys Institute of Fine Arts. Iraqi students learned how to play and sing American music including jazz, ragtime, and Broadway. In the dance workshops, students learned traditional American step dancing and hip hop.
Following the classes, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad hosted a concert and reception in honor of Black History Month for almost 200 people on Saturday, February 11. Guests included Iraqi government officials, representatives from international and diplomatic organizations, cultural contacts, and members of the American Embassy community. The event highlighted music and dance rooted in African-American culture performed by the Iraqi students and the visiting American musicians.
These events are part of the Jusoor program of the U.S. Embassy Baghdad’s Cultural Affairs Office. Jusoor seeks to build bridges of dialogue between the United States and Iraq through arts, music, sports, and other cultural events. Both the U.S. and Iraq recognize that cultural interaction is crucial to forging bonds of friendship and mutual respect, a key part of the Strategic Framework Agreement.
For a high resolution photo of the event please visit: http://www.flickr.com/usembassybaghdad/
