Seeing through their music

A unique orchestra from Egypt is all set to perform in the Capital today.

Al Nour Wal Amal, meaning Light and Hope, is the first-of-its-kind orchestra group in Egypt — it is composed entirely of blind female musicians. The troupe is coming to the capital for the first time to showcase their unique skill.

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This Egyptian Blind Girls’ Orchestra, that specialises in western classical and oriental music, started out as a fifteen member group and is now a full fledged chamber of 50 girls with expertise in strings, woodwind, brass and percussion.

The troupe has been invited to India by The Embassy of Egypt under the initiative of enabling disabled people from across the globe to showcase their talent. “It gives us immense pleasure to provide this platform to these girls. It’s their first trip and we look forward to more such trips as this also strengthen the cultural ties between the two countries”, says Dr. Higazy, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

The group has travelled widely to various parts of the globe such as Austria, Germany, Jordan, England, Sweden, Spain, Qatar, Morocco, Japan, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Canada and Greece. The girls have been trained to perform in such a way that reading the notes and the very essential dependence on the conductor is not required. “They learn to play their instruments separately and are trained twice a week for orchestra”, says Ms Amal Fikry, Vice President, Egyptian Blind Girls Association.

The Orchestra performs today at 7 pm at The Lalit, Barakhamba Avenue, CP