In Its First Year Wales’ National Theatre Became Truly National

“Its first show, A Good Night In The Valleys, opened in March 2010 at the Blackwood Miners’ Institute. Since then, it has produced shows in a range of locations, from Swansea’s old library, Cardiff’s New Theatre, Prestatyn’s seafront and Sennybridge military range. It is the latter that has garnered the company the most attention.”

Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra: A Progress Report

Music Director Karim Wasfi: “We’ve moved forward a lot since 2008. I’m now able to struggle with artistic quality – getting the music right – rather than logistics or mere survival. … Now, the orchestra has expanded to 90 members. We’ve put on very fine performances of ‘Rhapsody in Blue’ and Grieg’s piano concerto, Wagner, Brahms and specially commissioned works by Iraqi composers.” (Yes, bombs are still a problem.)