The historic Syrian amphitheatre in Palmyra hosted a musical concert yesterday only a couple of months after the venue was taken back from Islamic State militants, who had used it the venue last year to carry out a mass execution.

The musical event was called "Gate of the Sun" and was held to honor victims of the Syria's bloody conflict. Amal Abu-Samra, a member of the al-Farah Choir, said she has mixed feelings of pain and hope.

"It's really sad to see the destruction, but we have hope that all of Syria will be liberated," Abu-Samra said.

The Syrian National Symphony, the National Ensemble for Arabic Music, Mari Orchestra, and al-Farah Choir revived the amphitheatre with nationalist musical pieces.

Palmyra was recaptured by the Syrian army with the help of the Russians last March and soldiers from both countries were in attendance at the event.

Local media said over a thousand people, including senior politicians, were in attendance.

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