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The Afghan Youth Orchestra returns to the Kennedy Center more than a decade after its groundbreaking U.S. debut in 2013. This group of brave young musicians were forced to leave their homes in 2021 after the Taliban’s return to power. Today their performances are a symbol of defiance against the Taliban’s enforced silencing of Afghanistan’s rich musical heritage. The orchestra works tirelessly to defend musical rights, women’s rights, and gender equality in their native land through performance of Afghan traditional songs and classical works played on both Western and Afghan instruments.

In collaboration with Tuti Media.

Message from Dr. Ahmad Sarmast
Founder and Director, Afghanistan National Institute of Music

Dear Friends,

It is with profound gratitude and immense pride that I welcome you to this extraordinary performance by the Afghan Youth (AYO) and Zohra Orchestras (AYO) at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. This moment is particularly inspiring and important as we recollect our first historic performance here in 2013, a milestone that marked the resilience and vibrant spirit of Afghan music and musicians. Today, 11 years later, we return under vastly different circumstances, yet with the same unwavering commitment to our mission.

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For Millennium Stage performances that take place in the Concert Hall, a limited number of advance reservations are available online on a first come, first served basis.

Patrons who make advance reservations can pick up their tickets at the Hall of Nations Box Office starting 2 hours before their performance time. All free tickets are first come, first served, and making an advance reservation does not guarantee a ticket (grab your tickets early, and before standby distribution begins!).

Print your confirmed reservation voucher at home and bring it to the Box Office in the Hall of Nations on the evening of the concert. Please note that you must present a valid ID along with the voucher to exchange for your reserved seats ticket(s). The Box Office opens at 5 p.m. Tickets that have not been claimed by 6:45 p.m. on the performance date will be released and distributed to a giveaway line. This is a First Come First Serve Event, a Reservation Confirmation does NOT guarantee you a seated ticket to the performance. Please arrive early to exchange your CONFIRMATION EMAIL at the Concert Hall Box Office for a ticket to be seated in the Concert Hall for the performance.