The National Youth Orchestra of Iraq was a fantastic living example of peace and reconciliation by Iraqis, for Iraq and for the world. This year,  we arrived in Aix-en-Provence, to work alongside the National Youth Orchestra of France for three weeks and perform in Grand Theatre de Provence. NYOI’s diversity brings together young Arabs and Kurds, among others from across Iraq, to create real harmony together. We were founded by a brave 17-year-old Iraqi, Zuhal Sultan, just four years ago. Since then, the orchestra has developed with the tireless energy of Musical Director Paul MacAlindin. Though many musicians fled the country during the war, we have been determined to create a national youth orchestra for Iraq and the world by collaborating with British Council and German Friends of NYOI. We auditioned each year on youtube and many of us receive our only tuition at the annual summer school.

Joakim Jennefors. Singer/actor/musician/composer

Glenn Edell is following