Symphonic protest against Syrian tragedy

Istanbul Symphony Orchestra performed on March 25 under the baton of famous Bosnian orchestra conductor Emir Nuhanovic. The concert which was organized in order for drawing attention to the human tragedy in Syria hosted Syrian violinist Ali Moraly as a soloist at Istanbul's Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall (CRR).  Speaking before the concert Culture and Tourism Minister Omer Celik said that while optimism was in the air all around the world in the 1990s, the people of Sarajevo faced a wild massacre. "I was student at the time. We, students were organized to find out what we could do for Sarajevo. Although Turkey mobilized its all options, we did not have today's opportunities and all of us felt the pain and sorrow of our helplessness for Sarajevo. In the middle of the tragedy, the late Alija Izetbegovic called for the master conductor Nuhanovic and asked him to make their voice be heard all around the world. The modern world, which had nothing to say for Sarajevo, began to speak again." Celik said. He stated that Syria was currently experiencing a tragedy before the whole world and the concert was held to draw attention to this drama. "Now, in order for making a call for all human beings, art will make its voice heard for Syria under the leadership of a great master. What should be asked here is how those who remain silent against the events in Syria could do it. We will give the most meaningful answer to this tonight in this venue," he said.