NEWS
David Bowie Dies at 69; Star Transcended Music, Art and Fashion
Monday, January 11, 2016
David Bowie never failed to surprise throughout a career that spanned six decades and multiple genres, influencing not just music but also art, fashion and film. He brought many people together from around the world and gave hope and inspiration through his music.
Tunisia’s New Envoy Reflects On Arab Spring, Five Years Later
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
“We never intended to influence any other country, or to be a model for other societies. Each country has its own realities,” said Gouia, Tunisia’s new ambassador to the United States. “But I think the Tunisian example is now very much appreciated. We enjoy freedom of expression and free speech, and we have recovered our dignity.”
Paris attacks: pianist 'drove 400 miles through the night' to pay tribute
Sunday, November 15, 2015
The man who played John Lennon’s Imagine on a grand piano outside the Bataclan theatre has told the Guardian he felt it was his “duty” to pay tribute to the victims of the Paris attacks.
The pianist was watching the France v Germany football match when the explosions began at the Stade de France. “I just knew I had to do something,” he said. “I wanted to be there to try and comfort, and offer a sign of hope.
Karim Wasfi scoops top honour at Arabian Business Achievement Awards
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Karim Wasfi, the ‘Maestro of Baghdad’ was named as Humanitarian of the Year at the Arabian Business Achievement Awards, held last night at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai.
The Iraqi national made global headlines earlier this year after footage of the musician playing his cello at bomb sites in Baghdad went viral. His foundation ‘Peace Through Arts’ aims to rebuild not only Iraq’s symphony orchestra, but his country’s broken relationship with the arts.
Karim Wasfi plays music to create hope, to help people who have no past, present or future
Saturday, September 26, 2015
After the deadliest of the three attacks took place in the busy, upscale district of Mansour where ten people were killed and another 27 were injured, Karim Wasfi, the renowned conductor of the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra decided to take action in the only way he knew how. As people in the area attempted to get their street back in order, clearing up the debris in the hours after the attack, Wasfi emerged onto the footpath, smartly dressed, with his chair in one hand and his prized cello in the other, and set up for what was to become one of the most-watched performances of his career.
