TEHRAN The Iranian National Orchestra recently performed in Switzerland. The conductor of the orchestra, Farhad Fakhroldini, took part in a press interview and commented on the orchestra and its position in Iran and the world. He has been working in music for 50 years and loves his work. Fakhroldini believes that the National Orchestra, which was established less than 3 years ago, is responsible for introducing the world to Iranian music, but said that it is not supported like the Symphony Orchestra. The kind of work the National Orchestra does is quite different from what the Symphonic Orchestra does. The National Orchestra first receives orders from others, then the music is written, and then they prepare to perform. Fakhroldini said, "Nobody could believe that the National Orchestra performed so well and was praised so much. The members of the orchestra are all young and eager to learn. They are full of hope. The future of the orchestra is bright and belongs to our young generation. "The National Orchestra is a very good model for people who have worked hard to promote Iranian music. It is a good thing that mostly young people are performing in this orchestra. We have many young people who are still waiting on the waiting list to join us." He said that the National Orchestra has performed in China, Kuwait, and Switzerland and also in Tehran, Isfahan, Shiraz, and Sanandaj in Iran. He added, "All the concerts were highly acclaimed and the faces of the cities changed during the performances. We are currently getting ready for our performances on August 29, 30 and 31 in Sa'ad Aabad palace." He said that the National Orchestra will soon perform in Kerman and is getting ready for a performance on the commemoration of Pirnia, and will also give a special performance for the people of Azarbaijan. About inviting conductors from other countries to perform with the orchestra, he said, "Inviting conductors is a good idea, but we can not invite conductors from all countries. We can ask neighboring countries with which we have a common culture. Their culture and art are close to ours. Of course, this should be done in cooperation with those countries' cultural organizations." He said that the way is open for the young members of the orchestra to show their talent and that they have composed many good pieces. He added, "Our singers, such as Ali Qorbani, Fazel Jamshidi, and the veteran Nasser Massoudi sing very well in the performances. We can not have solo woman singers, but they are singing in our choral group." When asked why the National Orchestra performs foreign music although it is the National Orchestra and should perform Iranian music, he answered, "Music is an instrument which can be a common language of the people of the world. The common language of music can be used in the year of Dialogue Among Civilizations and can make use of foreign pieces. "It is a pity if we ignore this common language and keep to ourselves in the world of music, just because we are performing in the National Orchestra. The members are highly qualified and should show their abilities and talents to the world. The music performed and heard in the National Orchestra is different from the music of the Symphony Orchestra. It is felt and understood better by the people, and remains in their hearts."