Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra exploring possibility of returning to Iran
Posted By richards on January 17, 2014
Officials from the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the American Middle East Institute are in discussions to arrange a potentially groundbreaking concert tour to Iran this September.
The symphony was the last American orchestra to perform in Iran, in 1964. Relations between the two countries have been marked by several political standoffs since then, most recently over Iran's nuclear aspirations.
The negotiations with Iran about the concert tour, which have occurred with the knowledge of State Department officials, have only recently turned serious. Principals in the talks acknowledge that many hurdles, on both sides, remain. Relations between the two nations are sensitive, and any number of unexpected developments could endanger the PSO's potential trip, which could also include a visit to the nearby Persian Gulf nation of Oman.
Despite the challenges, the notion of a musical and diplomatic overture is being examined at the highest levels in Tehran and Washington.
"They still have a lot of details to work out, but we're going to stay in close touch with them as this goes forward," said Gregg Sullivan, senior adviser for Iran at the State Department.
"If we succeed in taking the symphony for this breakthrough concert [tour] in Tehran, it will be a sensation," said Simin Yazdgerdi Curtis, president and CEO of the American Middle East Institute.
Representatives of the PSO and AMEI are planning an advance visit to Iran next month during the country's Fajr International Music Festival.
"We have been invited to come over to begin preliminary discussions," said Robert Moir, the PSO's senior vice president of artistic development and audience engagement.
That February trip is pending visa approval, said Mrs. Curtis, who is part Iranian and used to live in Iran but hasn't been back since 1968.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the PSO's visit to Iran in 1964, which also was the last time any American orchestra traveled there. That anniversary serves as a primary motivator for the tour, as does the possibility of cultural diplomacy.
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Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra exploring possibility of returning to Iran
