The Light and Hope Chamber Orchestra, known in Arabic as Al Nour Wal Amal, the first in Egypt to be made up of visually impaired female members, has introduced its first thrilling show at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilisation (NMEC) in southern Cairo.
Established in the 1960s, the Light and Hope aimed to challenge low vision with art and music. The orchestra has performed in over 25 countries so far.
CEO of the NMEC, Ahmed Ghoneim, said the show, which was held Tuesday evening, and other events hosted by the museum highlight its support for the arts and culture as an institution.
“The event also supports people of determination in various fields, and emphasises the museum’s role as a cultural centre that welcomes all segments of society,” Ghoneim said.
The performance of the Light and Hope Chamber Orchestra was held in cooperation with the National Bank of Egypt which celebrates the 125th anniversary of its founding.
It included a wide range of classical, oriental and western works, utilizing stringed and brass musical instruments.
The members of the orchestra also performed Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus Overture, music of Zorba’s Dance, Offenbach’s Can Can Music, in addition to some songs by legendary Egyptian singer and composer, Mohamed Abdel Wahab.
A host of foreign diplomats attended the performance, along with several former ministers and civil society organisation representatives, including from the Children’s Cancer Hospital Foundation 57357 and Baheya Foundation for the Early Detection and Treatment of Breast Cancer.
