Just in: Iran says ‘no-one wants American orchestra’

Just in: Iran says ‘no-one wants American orchestra’

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norman lebrecht

February 17, 2014

A senior Iranian official, responding to reports that the Pittsburgh Orchestra is planning an ice-break visit in September, has just said they will be unwanted.

‘While the Americans pursue an onslaught against the Islamic Republic’s values, it is natural that Iranians look at these cultural diplomacy movements by the US … with utmost distrust and pessimism,’ said Deputy Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces for Basij and Defense Culture Brigadier General Massoud Jazayeri.

iranian brigadier

Comments

  • He is not the guy who has the “yea” or “née”. That will be the “Minister for Culture and Islamic Affairs”. 🙂

  • ehkzu says:

    Iranian government represents a constant dialectic between right wing and far right wing elements–hardliners vs. ultra-hardliners.

    So I wouldn’t say this doofus is speaking for the Iranian government as a whole. More likely is that he’s trying to sabotage the more moderate (by Iranian standards) presidency now in office–and which represents many more Iranian citizens than this hardliner doofus does.

  • harold braun says:

    What an idiot!!!

  • Building bridges. Not.

  • ed says:

    There is a right time and a wrong time for these icebreakers, if the history of relations between the West and the People’s Republic of China is any example. At some point it will happen.

  • Lisa Fogler says:

    This is total bull and the utmost in silly propaganda. He in no way speaks for the population of Iran. I personally know quite a few Iranians who adore Classical music and would relish hearing it live. As far as China, they invite a myriad of American and European Orchestras there to tour their country. I know because toured there twice with an orchestra since 2007. Something that was unthinkable 20 years ago. Hopefully, Iranians will be able to experience live orchestral music soon.

  • sdReader says:

    The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra should not even be considering a visit to Iran.

  • harold braun says:

    Just out of curiosity:Does the rest of the world need Iran?

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