The Iraqi maestro and composer, Ali Khasaf, received an honorary musical certificate from a prestigious Austrian academic and artistic institution, following the presentation of his musical works in a violin concert titled "From the Heart," held in the Austrian capital, Vienna.
Khasaf stated in a statement followed by the news agency that "this certificate represents an achievement that I am very proud of, especially since it came from a reputable and internationally recognized artistic and academic institution, in a country considered one of the most important centers of classical music in the world and the home of the world-renowned composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart."
He added that "the University of Music and Performing Arts, which was founded in 1817, presented the violin concerto (From the Heart), and featured several of my musical compositions, performed by the Iraqi artist residing in Vienna, Omar Al-Husseini, in the presence of professors and specialists in the field of musical art."
Khasaf clarified that "the institution does not grant such certificates arbitrarily, but rather after verifying the artistic and scientific level of the presented works and their musical value, thus obtaining it represents a great source of happiness and pride."
He pointed out that "I do not consider this achievement a personal one as much as I see it as an accomplishment for the Iraqi composer and for the Iraqi musical movement," explaining: "I consider myself the first Iraqi musician whose works are presented in Austria, the heart of global classical music. There may be Iraqi musicians whose works have been presented in other countries, but presenting the works of an Iraqi composer in Austria marks an important milestone in the journey of Iraqi music."
He continued, saying that "this step opens a new window for Iraqi music to connect with global artistic and academic institutions, and confirms the ability of the Iraqi composer to be present in international musical arenas."
Khasaf expressed his hope for the continuation of such cultural and artistic initiatives and for building bridges of communication between Iraq and countries of the world, to contribute to introducing Iraq's civilization and its musical heritage and composers, and to convey the voice of Iraqi music to international artistic and academic forums.