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Musical Program
The APO’s repertoire for the evening included:-
“O Iran”, a patriotic Iranian piece that holds emotional significance for Iranians as a symbol of unity.
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Works by Armenian composers such as Khachaturian’s “Sabre Dance” and selections from Komitas’ folk song arrangements.
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Classical works from the European canon, reinforcing the orchestra’s international identity.
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Audience Reception
The performance received a rapturous response. Both Iranian and Armenian attendees described the evening as historic. The audience rose to its feet after “O Iran,” underscoring the emotional power of the piece when performed in such a setting.
Music as a Bridge Between Nations
The theme of cultural diplomacy ran throughout the evening.
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Music, unlike political language, speaks directly to the emotions, bypassing ideology and divisions.
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The performance at Persepolis exemplified how art can serve as a soft power tool in international relations, fostering understanding where diplomacy alone may falter.
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Iran and Armenia, sharing a long border and centuries of cultural exchange, used this occasion to emphasize friendship despite political complexities in the region.
The presence of officials from both countries, alongside representatives from Iran’s Ministry of Culture, provincial authorities, and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts, further highlighted the concert’s significance as an official cultural event.
