The first of its kind, the Afghanistan National Institute of Music, closed down in August 2021 as its members faced persecution from the Taliban, who violently opposed all secular music. Dr. Ahmad Sarmast, the institute’s founder and leader, teams up with famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma, working tirelessly to secure safe passage out of the country for its students, including its all-female orchestra. Symphony of Courage follows the dramatic journey of two students and sisters, Farida and Zohra. They navigate life in hiding under Taliban rule and eventually escape to Lisbon, Portugal, where they are free to make music again. Symphony of Courage makes its streaming debut on VOA+ on August 25, 2022.