Trump's verdict shakes up America's concert life
Trump's draconian entry ban on citizens of several Islamic states has also turned numerous musician trips upside down. The Beijing Chinese Orchestra, for example, has been refused visas at short notice, and Syrian clarinettist Kinan Azmeh, who is currently performing in Lebanon, fears that he will no longer be able to return to the USA.
The Beijing Chinese Orchestra was due to perform in Seattle this month. However, 22 members of the orchestra were denied visas. According to a congressman from Washington state, immigration authorities took the view that their visa applications were not in line with the purpose of their trip. The Syrian clarinettist Kinan Azmeh, who lives in the USA, is currently performing in Lebanon with the cellist Yo-Yo Ma. He feared that he would no longer be able to enter the USA.
The Armenian-Austrian pianist Nareh Arghamanyan, winner of the Montreal competition, has reportedly canceled a tour of the USA and Canada due to visa problems. The young Kazakh violinist Aisha Orazbayeva, who lives in London, has also canceled concerts in the USA. She would feel bad knowing that she is allowed to enter the USA, but Syrian citizens are not. She doesn't see any difference, she writes in a statement. However, she is merely providing entertainment, whereas those who are excluded need help.
