Egypt's blind women's orchestra struggles post-revolution

CAIRO — Described as “Egypt’s miracle,” Al Nour Wal Amal (Light and Hope), the blind female orchestra, is feeling the economic pangs of the revolution. Prior to the January 25 Revolution, the orchestra staged regular monthly concerts, traveled annually and had multiple donors supporting the organization and its initiatives. Today, the picture is somewhat bleak, shown by the infrequency of concerts, little or no international travel and dwindling funds. 

“Since the revolution, the organization is really struggling. Most of our donors left the country and others can no longer afford to help,” Amal Fikry, the organization’s proud chairwoman, told Al-Monitor, detailing how even regular donors last year were today less forthcoming. Masr El Kheir, an Egyptian charity, is currently the main, stable funding source, according to Fikry.

The economic setbacks instigated by political instability have been multifaceted and deeply felt within the heart of the orchestra. Heba Rifat, a 22-year-old, talented, blind musician who plays the bass clarinet, linked the drop in concerts to the far-reaching economic tensions preventing people from donating or attending cultural events. The World Bank’s findings support this premise: At the end of June 2013, Egypt’s fiscal deficit and gross public debt — domestic and external — rose to nearly 100% of gross domestic product and unemployment reached over 13%, predominantly affecting youth.

The demand for concerts has diminished and people fear nighttime excursions because of the economic, security and political instability, said the young musician. The daily lives of many of the female musicians in the post-revolutionary period have also been influenced.