Orchestra returning to Iran?

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the last American orchestra to perform in Iran, is considering a return a half-century later for what would be a groundbreaking concert tour.

Officials with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and the American Middle East Institute are in talks with Iran about a potential trip in September, although many hurdles remain given the countries’ history of strained relations, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Friday.

State Department senior adviser Gregg Sullivan confirmed that U.S. officials are aware of the efforts also involving high-level officials in Tehran.

Officials from the orchestra, which performed two concerts in Tehran in 1964, and representatives of the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit plan an advance trip to the country next month during the Fajr International Music Festival.

Institute president Simin Curtis said a return tour, which may include a visit to the nearby Persian Gulf nation of Oman, “will be a sensation” if it occurs.