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Classical overtures used in diplomatic overtures?

1 min read

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The last time the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra – or any American orchestra, for that matter – ventured into Iran was in 1964, some 15 years before the overthrow of the Shah of Iran plunged the country into the censored, cloistered world of Islamic fundamentalism.

The heretofore icy relations between the United States and Iran have, thankfully, been showing signs of thawing in the last couple years, and one indication that detente is in the air is the prospect the Pittsburgh Symphony will be making a return trip to Iran in the fall.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported last week that negotiations are ongoing between Iranian officials and representatives of the symphony and the Pittsburgh-based American Middle East Institute. While reporting that “any number of unexpected developments” could derail the trip, the possibility that the symphony might be allowed to visit the country is, from all indications, quite a bit more than just a pipe dream. An overture from Beethoven, Brahms or Berlioz could indeed be part of diplomatic overtures.

If the tour happens, it would be a source of pride not just for the symphony and Pittsburgh, but the entire region.

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