Russian Symphony Orchestra Stranded in Iran

On June 11 and 12, 2025, the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra performed concerts in Tehran and Isfahan as part of Russian Culture Days in Iran. The orchestra had originally planned to return to Moscow on June 13, but the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Iran in the early hours of that day forced the return plans to be postponed.

This music festival was held in response to Iran Culture Days, which took place in Moscow and St. Petersburg in July 2023, and aimed to promote cultural exchange between the two nations.

According to available information, the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra was unable to board its scheduled flight back to Moscow on June 13. The Iranian hosts and the Russian Ministry of Culture are currently working to find a solution to ensure the orchestra’s safe return.

Orchestra member Alexei told the media that he and his colleagues are currently stranded in Isfahan. He stated: “The situation is uncertain. The Ministry of Culture in Moscow is currently deciding how to evacuate us, but no specific plan has been put in place yet. There is an option to travel through Azerbaijan, but that would involve nearly a full day crossing Iran and carries significant risk. The airspace is completely closed, so even deploying a special aircraft is not a viable option. We can only wait for a decision. Things are relatively calm here; everyone is staying at a hotel in Isfahan. There was an explosion nearby, but it didn’t affect us. We were supposed to be transferred to Tehran Airport during the day and fly out at 5 a.m. tomorrow, but clearly that is no longer happening. For now, we just have to wait.”

In addition to the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra, violinist Gayk Kazazyan and cellist Ivan Sendetsky are also stranded in Iran.

Amid the escalating conflict, Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency has banned Russian airlines from flying over the airspace of Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Iran. The restriction is currently in effect until at least June 26.

The Russian Embassy in Iran has advised Russian citizens to avoid traveling to the country. A similar warning had earlier been issued by the Russian Embassy in Tel Aviv, urging citizens to remain vigilant.

As of now, the situation of the Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra remains uncertain, with all parties working to secure a safe evacuation plan.