03-04-2025
World musicians blend Iraqi and international melodies in Baghdad
Baghdad ( – Baghdad's National Theater hosted a unique 'World Musicians in Baghdad' concert on Tuesday, April 1st. The event featured artists from Iraq, Finland, and other nations collaborating to mix Iraqi musical heritage with global influences.
The Finnish Orchestra played alongside Iraqi musicians, performing classics by Iraqi icons like Nazem Al-Ghazali and Kadim Al-Sahir, alongside Arab composers such as Omar Khairat and Majida El Roumi. Organizer Ali Haitham noted the selection included pieces rarely heard in Baghdad.
The audience responded warmly, Haitham reported, with even the Arab selections receiving an 'excellent' reaction despite some preference for an all-Iraqi program. He highlighted the successful cross-cultural cooperation, stating, 'Iraqi music provided the spiritual Eastern character.'
Liza Munola, Finland's Deputy Head of Mission, expressed the embassy's delight with the collaboration, emphasizing music's power to connect cultures.
