Arts and Entertainment - 1st prize
Lori Grinker
Contact Press Images for Natural History
Contact Press Images for Natural History
01 January, 1995
Once the musicians have memorized their parts, the maestro runs the rehearsals, marking time by slapping the handle of a fly swatter on his desk. This orchestra is the pride and joy of Al-Nour wal Amal (light and hope), a center for the blind. Eighty girls and women live at the center, which was founded by a wealthy landowner's daughter in 1954. Dozens more commute to the center every day. Besides a full school curriculum, the women's education includes handicrafts, cooking and home economics. The musical program started in the 1970s has produced two orchestras of about 35 members each. The main orchestra performs at home and abroad, while a training ensemble of younger girls plays mostly for school audiences.