From Baghdad to Broadway
Wall Street Journal reporter Melik Kaylan on his visit with the conductor of Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra. In these last five years in wartime Baghdad, the orchestra has stayed together and has never stopped performing. Also, an Iraqi singer and guitarist, now a refugee in Damascus, who carries on his obsession with American folk music and the blues. Plus, Tony-winner Patti Lupone, Broadway vet and the current star of Gypsy, who's balanced the demands of show business with raising her own family.
By Kurt Andersen • • 1 min readWall Street Journal reporter Melik Kaylan tells Kurt about his visit with the conductor of Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra, Karim Wasfi. In these last five years in wartime Baghdad, against all odds, the orchestra has stayed together and has never stopped performing. We also meet an Iraqi singer and guitarist, now a refugee in Damascus, who carries on his obsession with American folk music and the blues. And Kurt talks with Tony-winner Patti Lupone, the Broadway vet and current star of Gypsy, who's balanced the demands of show business with raising her own family.