First musical academy formed in Basra

BASRA / IraqiNews.com: The formation of the first musical academy in Basra province was announced today.   The academy will be affiliated with Basra University’s cultural center.   Artist Ali Hashim Bidan told IraqiNews.com that the academy includes a great number of Basra artists and academics among its ranks.   Bidan added that the academy is comprised of 40 musicians on various instruments, and will shoulder the responsibility of disseminating Basra‘s original musical culture.   Basra lies 590 km south of the capital, Baghdad. RM (TS)/SR 320