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| Allegra Klein has returned from Iraq Musicians For Harmony Founder Allegra Klein has returned from Erbil, Iraq, following her participation in a landmark event--The National Unity Performing Arts Academy. The free Academy--the first project of its kind in the history of Iraq--created an oasis of artistic expression for over 300 of the country's aspiring performers. It was, says Klein, “perhaps the most rewarding and gratifying experience of my life.” Klein, a violinist, educator and arts administrator, represented Musicians For Harmony (and New York) by providing instruction in Strings and working with the Iraqi Unity Youth Orchestra. She also introduced the Suzuki violin teaching method to Iraqis for the first time in the country's history. She adds, “to be called “Teacher,” in three languages, no less )Kurdish, Arabic, and English), brings back memories of when I taught violin full-time, and that special satisfaction and sense of accomplishment that surpasses all other types of professional endeavors.” The July Academy marked Klein's second trip to Iraq as a “cultural ambassador.” In November 2003, she attracted international attention by traveling to Baghdad on behalf of Musicians For Harmony to present much needed funds and musical instruments to the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra, playing with the orchestra during one of their rehearsals and fostering hope and goodwill among her Iraqi counterparts. Her close ties to the INSO have continued in the years since. There is a link below to Musicians For Harmony's webpage devoted to Klein's experiences at the Erbil Academy. Klein's reputable organization Musicians For Harmony continues to deliver on the promise of its mission to promote peace and cultural diplomacy through music. The non-profit, founded shortly after September 11, 2001, presents a “Concert For Peace” in New York City each Fall, featuring internationally renowned classical and world music artists. In an indication of its growing stature, Musicians For Harmony has just been awarded its first-ever grant from New York City's Department of Cultural Affairs. This year, Musicians For Harmony celebrates its Sixth Annual “Concert For Peace” with a September 11, 2007 performance at Symphony Space. At this special event, international stars will share the stage with acclaimed classical musicians for what promises to be a memorable evening. The concert will feature three world premieres, as unique instruments including the kora and pipa will be showcased alongside more familiar classical fare. Featured artists include pianist Claude Frank with Arnold Steinhardt, violin, Michael Tree, viola and Peter Wiley, cello (Guarneri Quartet) performing Mozart's Piano Quartet in G minor; the return of The Shanghai Quartet performing Ravel; virtuoso pipa player Wu Man, who will perform a world premiere solo piece “Soliloquio Serrano” by the Peruvian-Jewish-Chinese composer Gabriela Lena Frank; and Musique Sans Frontires, who will be joined by Malian kora player Yacouba Sissoko for two world premiere performances, “Siya” by Sissoko and “Couleurs du March” by MFH's Artistic Director, Patrick Derivaz. Also on the program are Colin Jacobsen, violin, and his brother Eric Jacobsen, cello, who will accompany Wu Man on a piece titled “NING” by Chen Yi. WNYC's 'Soundcheck' is expected to air a live broadcast on 9/11 at 2pm, featuring pre-concert interviews with Wu Man and Colin and Eric Jacobsen. write your comments about the article :: © 2007 Jazz News :: home page |