The “bravest orchestra in the world” from war-torn Iraq – but “made in Scotland” – has cancelled its planned debut in America because of the conflict in the Middle Eastern country.
The National Youth Orchestra of Iraq is conducted and run by a Scot and was founded by a teenager based in Glasgow.
The orchestra was developed five years ago by the then 17-year-old pianist Zuhal Sultan, who studied in Glasgow, but also lives in Baghdad where music shops have been attacked by Islamic fundamentalists.
Members of the orchestra have been said to have risked death just by playing Western classical instruments, and had to audition and receive lessons over the internet due to the security risks.
In August, the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra in Illinois had planned to team up with the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq for its American debut.
But yesterday Aberdeen-born conductor Paul MacAlindin, who leads the orchestra, said the trip was off because of the troubles.
“We regretfully announce that we have cancelled our US tour scheduled for this August. Instability in Iraq has made it impossible for orchestra members to complete the visa process that would allow them to travel, though thankfully all NYOI musicians are currently safe,” he said.