The Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra gave a concert in Baghdad on Wednesday to promote peace and unity.

It was the first significant performance in years for the Iraqi National Symphony Orchestra, and one that underscored the unifying power of the arts.

To mark the United Nations' World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, the orchestra performed a program of classical, Arab and Kurdish works in the Baghdad hall that serves as Iraq's parliament chamber.

The by-invitation-only audience of about 400 was made up of soldiers, diplomats, politicians and veiled women.

The first-of-its-kind concert, conducted by visiting British conductor Oliver Gilmour and Karim Wasfi, the orchestra's director, was organized by the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq to remind the world what Iraq offers in terms of culture.

"Conflicts involving religious and ethnic divisions are perilous and go very deep," Gilmour told United Nations Radio. "But music goes even deeper, bang into the middle of the soul, our very core. Music is a great healer and peacemaker."

Gillmour, who had two days to practise with the orchestra, was the first guest conductor to be invited to Iraq since U.S.-led forces invaded in 2003.

First formed in 1949 when Iraq was still under British control, the orchestra has been valiantly trying to stay on its feet in recent years. It has only survived because its members have taken other jobs.

But its 45 members, from different sects and ethnic groups, still rehearse three times a week, often facing danger in attending rehearsals.

They perform, dressed in immaculate black tie, at galleries, clubs and any other venue that will have them.

"In many ways what they do is inspirational and illustrates their indomitable spirit and the power of music," Gilmour said.