The composer Hajar Al-Tamimi confirmed that the symphony orchestra has enhanced her passion for music, noting that she will soon be working on composing songs. Al-Tamimi told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): “My participation as the first female composer with the National Symphony Orchestra strengthens my passion for music; because it is the first step of a thousand miles, which I started with determination, challenge, diligence, and perseverance.” She explained, “I specialize exclusively in symphonic composition; because it is more complex and studied, and it is a science that requires many tools and musical composition… polyphony.”
Additionally, she mentioned that “there have been successful attempts to compose Eastern symphonies since the early sixties to this day by Arab composers from Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Iraq, and other countries, using Arabic musical scales or Arabic musical instruments and merging them with the Western orchestra.” She pointed out, “I draw inspiration from the heritage of my city Basra; because it is a city rich in rhythms and modes, and every composer takes their identity from their environment and community.”
She continued, “The most important orchestral work presented with the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra recently on the stage of the National Theater in Baghdad, conducted by Maestro Ali Khusaf, was a joyful experience for me.” She noted that she is “working on composing a piece for piano titled (Shatt Al-Arab),” confirming, “I will soon work on composing songs.”
