My Iraq: Orchestra musician

Samir is one of only four professional double bass players in Iraq

Samir Basim Yousif has played with Iraq's National Symphony Orchestra for 11 years. At 23, he is now head of the double bass section.

He is also working on his thesis for a Masters degree in laser and opto-electronics.

There is a huge difference between 1996 - when I first joined the orchestra - and now.

Then, it was safe and you could find the time to practise and to perform.

Now the security situation is so bad that the orchestra has lost many of its best players. Many are in Jordan or Syria.

But despite all of this, we can still perform and put on a concert.

When I play, I feel that if I am helping people take part in something cultural, it is worthwhile.

I love music so much. I enjoy playing in this orchestra, it is an honour to play.

Staff shortages

There are just four of us in the double bass section. We are the only four professional players in the whole of Iraq - can you imagine that?

There are many players in the north of Iraq, where the situation is better, but they are still students.

The orchestra is a big family. Many of us are living in dangerous areas of the city.

Sometimes we are stuck in our homes for a week and can't get out.

Many of the members have been shot or have had accidents, including me.

The invasion forces are making the situation worse

It was in 2003, shortly after the invasion. I was driving to college when I collided with American troops, who were speeding down the wrong side of a narrow road.

They damaged my car and even now I have a problem with my hands.

I can still practise, but I can't hold anything that weighs more than 15kg. It hurts if I lift something, especially in cold weather.

I think the invasion forces are making the situation worse. They are not welcome. I don't like seeing them in the streets pointing their guns at our people.

We have democracy and we love it - I voted in the election. But before the invasion we were safe. I could go to parties after a performance and stay out until six in the morning.

Now I wake up in the morning and thank God I'm still alive.