Classical review: National Youth Orchestra of Iraq, Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

THE National Youth Orchestra of Iraq’s UK debut was a triumph on numerous levels, not least the fact of the concert itself, as playing together is something these talented young musicians cannot do in Iraq.

National Youth Orchestra of Iraq

Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh

Star rating: * * * *

Many rely on Skype for lessons and audition via YouTube for the orchestra’s annual summer school and concerts held outwith the country. Despite such adverse conditions, the orchestra proved itsversatility in this varied programme, which included some fascinating works by Middle Eastern composers.

Osama Abdulrasol’s Habibu with its biting eastern rhythms couldn’t have been more different from Karzan Mahmood’s intricate For Dilan written in mainstream classical form. Oud virtuoso Khyam Allami seamlessly melded the traditional with the modern in his stunning An Alif/An Apex based on the Maqam, melodic modes used in Arabic music. He revealed a different side to the instrument in Gordon MacPherson’s dynamic Blood Dance, part of a larger concerto for Oud, which also interwove ancient and contemporary styles.

Music director and conductor Paul MacAlindin, who has worked with the orchestra since it was set up four years ago, has done a phenomenal job of nurturing an all-embracing musicianship, reinforced by members of the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra who mentored and supported the NYOI. Together with cellist Julian Lloyd Webber they gave an exquisite and moving account of Faure’s Elegie and despite its title, Schubert’s Tragic Fourth Symphony was brimming with youthful joie de vivre. Above all else the NYOI demonstrated how culture wins over politics every time.