By
Pejman
Akbarzadeh* (Source: Radio Zamaneh)
Iran has sent Tehran Symphony Orchestra to Europe to perform the "Peace
Symphony" by Majid Entezami. The performance has stricken up a wave of
controversy as domestic musicians questioned the artistic merits of the
composition and Persians in exile question the Islamic Republic's intentions in
funding a performance abroad under the name of "peace" while it is engaged in
executing dissidents in Iran.
performance in Italy
The new series of Tehran Symphony Orchestra performances started just as public
minds in Europe were highly affected by the images of violent confrontations
with post-election protesters.
The Orchestra has been sent to Europe conducted by Manouchehr Sahbai and the
Islamic Republic has advertised the events in top European newspapers as "music
for Peace, a free performance by Tehran Symphony Orchestra."
performance in Brussels
In Brussels, at the venue chosen for the performance, Zamaneh caught up with a
Persian resident of Belguim distributing flyers. Siamak told Zamaneh: "Some are
of the opinion that music should not be mixed with politics. Our flyer does no
hanker on politics; we just ask people, how come a government that limits
musical performances with numerous restrictions within its own frontiers decides
to hold a free concert in Europe? A few likened it to the Eastern block or the
Second World War and there was also someone from the Iranian Embassy who kept
recording who's coming and going."
"We just want to make people aware of not letting them buy their silence
regarding the current atrocities that are being committed in Iran," Siamak
added.
performance in Brussels
The advertisement for the Tehran Symphony Orchestra in European media makes no
reference to the Islamic Republic or its embassies.
Iranian authorities have chosen the grand De Doelen Concert Hall in Rotterdam
for Tehran Symphony Orchestra's performance in the Netherlands. The tickets, as
in Brussels, are complimentary and have been sent to special guests directly by
the Islamic Republic Embassy.
The Iranian Embassy in The Hague has refused to comment on the matter. However,
the concert has turned into a political controversy after widespread protests
from political and human rights activists.
performance in France
Pejman Salim, lawyer and student activist has written an open letter to
Rotterdam City Council and Dutch media calling for an annulment of the
performance. Reflection of protests in Dutch media has also drawn the support of
two Members of the Dutch Parliament. Marten Haverkamp criticized the "absurdity"
of such a performance in Holland and said: "Iran sends the 'Peace Symphony' to
Europe but we can hear the sounds of war from within its borders."
Harry von Bommel, Dutch MP, told Holland-based Persian radio station 'Zamaneh':
"I believe Rotterdam should be ashamed of having such a concert in one of its
most prominent venues. Especially in the same week that two protesters were
hanged in Iran."
* This article was originally published in Persian on Amsterdam-based
Radio Zamaneh website.
Pejman
Akbarzadeh is a pianist and journalist who lives in the Netherlands.
See Also:
-
Another Look at the Tehran Symphony Orchestra's Concert in Germany (Zamaneh/Payvand
News. 2006)
... Payvand News - 01/30/10 ... --
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