Iraq’s Orchestra – Performance In A War Zone

“‘We are challenging the situation by trying to not be too far from the public. We are trying to put on a concert every month, but circumstances are very difficult. So the performances that the orchestra do put on are private and rarefied, little events for a small audience who do not have to travel very far or have their own security, and put on mainly at the city’s two subscription – only ‘country clubs’. Other events are by invitation only, for government officials and diplomats from the Green Zone. Even Iraq’s music has become gated.”