In an surprising development for war-torn Syria, Russia's famous Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, is giving a concert on Thursday on the stage of Palmyra's world-famous amphitheater, which until recently was under ISIS control and parts of which had been destroyed.

The orchestra, conducted by world-famous conductor Valery Gergiev, is holding a "Pray for Palmyra. Music Revives Ancient Ruins" concert on the stage of Palmyra's historic amphitheater. Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday during a videoconference with Syria's city of Palmyra, liberated from Daesh terrorists, that the concert of Russia's Mariinsky Theatre Symphony Orchestra in the historic city is a gratitude to everyone fighting against terrorism.

As reported previously, the Syrian armed forces, backed by militias and Russian forces, recaptured Palmyra from ISIS on March 27, nearly a year after terrorists had taken hold of the city and destroyed much of the UNESCO World Heritage Site's artifacts. According to preliminary estimates, some 20 percent of ancient Palmyra was destroyed, while many exhibits were looted from museums. It could take around five years to restore the city.