National Symphony Orchestra revives cultural scene
110 views · Published 8 December 2018 · 1:57 · Indexed 10 October 2026
Channel: AP Archive · 2018 · News & Politics
(3 Dec 2018) LEADIN Iraq's National Symphony Orchestra is on a mission to revive Baghdad's once-vibrant cultural scene. The musicians say they want to fight terror with music and bring life back to the capital. STORYLINE The uplifting sounds of Iraq's National Symphony Orchestra playing to a full house in Baghdad. The renowned musicians are holding a free concert for the city's residents after decades of upheaval, war and terrorism. Hundreds of audience members fill the auditorium as part of the orchestra's bid to revive the city's cultural scene and to fight extremism. Conductor Mohammed Amin Ezzat says: "We as educated members and as an orchestra must confront and challenge the terrorist ideology through our music, culture and art. The fact that people are attending our concerts is a healthy sign for Baghdad and God willing for all of Iraq." Iraq's National Symphony Orchestra (INSO) is considered as one of the oldest orchestras in the region. It started in the 1940s but became an official entity in the 1970s when musicians from the Music and Ballet School and the Institute of Fine Arts joined the orchestra. However INSO collapsed after the 2003 US invasion when many musicians fled to neighbouring countries seeking security and a better life. Cultural life in Iraq withered during the sectarian war and violence, but that is gradually changing. The government has allocated funds for the orchestra's operational budget and approved the building of an opera house in Baghdad. Audience member Dr. Eayiduh Aleabidie says: "I am really glad to have this event in my country because it reflects a lot of things, it reflects that Baghdad is a live city, the people in Baghdad love music, we love music, we love art, we love all the things that are related to life." The orchestra also recently performed in Mosul to support the city's efforts to rebuild after years of occupation by the Islamic State group. Musicians using the sound of music to start a new chapter in Iraq's history. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/48d3ff949d665f4246c15b8d2bbce4c1
