TEHRAN — The Tehran Symphony Orchestra held a free concert Wednesday at the city’s famed Azadi Square, dedicating it to Iranians killed in the 12-day conflict with Israel.

As residents gathered for the performance, the orchestra played “Ey Iran,” the country’s unofficial national anthem that has long been considered a song of national pride and resistance and had once been banned by the Islamic Republic due to its association with anti-government sentiment.

Established in 1933, the orchestra has survived multiple regimes, coups, revolution and wars, widely seen as a symbol of resilience.

Its hardest days came during the term of hardline president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad when the orchestra was disbanded due to sanctions, financial difficulties and negligence.

Three years later, reformist president Hassan Rouhani revived the orchestra as part of a campaign promise during his presidential bid.

Theaters, cinemas and concert halls went dark during the conflict with Israel, but officials have since promoted musical street performances and poetry readings in an apparent attempt to lift public morale.

The government has also re-opened cultural institutions and has announced a number of free concerts and performances across the capital, along with half-price tickets for films and theatrical shows. — CNN