Karim Wasfi is the director, soloist, and artistic adviser for the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra.
Born in Cairo to an artistic family, he began his study of the cello at the Music and Ballet School in Baghdad, Iraq. He subsequently received his artist diploma there, and master's and performance diplomas in cello, electronic music technology, and conducting from the IU Jacobs School of Music.
Wasfi has served as principal cellist of several ensembles, including the Cairo Symphony Orchestra and the Egyptian Chamber Group. He has served on the faculty at the Music and Ballet School of Baghdad, the IU Jacobs School of Music, and the Cairo Academy of Arts. He has given solo concerts in the United States, Europe, Egypt, and Iraq. Charles Webb conducted the interview.