The orchestra, conducted by its junior maestro and educator Tamer Fahmy, presented some of the best works in its repertoire, including Polka Schnell by Johann Strauss II, Danse Macabre, Op. 40 by Camille Saint-Saëns, By the Shore of the Nile by Ahmed Abou Eleid, and Mikis Theodorakis’s Scene No. 21 from his ballet Zorba (adapted by Ali Osman), among other works.
Most of these works were much loved by Fikry, who dedicated her life to developing Egypt’s visually impaired and blind women musicians.
Fikry began her journey with the Al-Nour Wal Amal Association in the late 1960s when she worked with the NGO.
She focused her efforts on the music institute and soon became the driving force behind the growing orchestra, establishing herself within the NGO to reach the position of the association's vice-chair.
The orchestra became her second family. She gave it her heart and resources, supported its growth, and worked on its international exposure.
Under her leadership, musicians traveled the world and were applauded by listeners of 30 countries on five continents.
Fikry passed away at age 94, leaving an irreplaceable void in the hearts of the association, women musicians, and everyone who worked with the ensemble.
The concert included a 20-minute film prepared by her family, presenting a series of photographs that walk us through the life of this remarkable woman.
The movie begins with a photo showing Fikry as a baby carried by her grandmother, to her in her late years surrounded by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The photographs also show us a woman filled with energy and love, a beautiful bride (she was married to Zaki Hashem, founder of Zaki Hashem Law Firm, one of the oldest and largest law firms in the Middle East), and an elegant lady of the society during her many encounters with dignitaries.
We see a human who enjoyed travels with family and friends and found joy in all small parts of her life: spending time with her grandchildren, swimming, and many other activities.
The majority of photographs show Fikry with the women and girls of the orchestra, in their travels and concerts.
Fikry’s large family, which consists of her own family, association members, officials, and everyone who loved her, was present at the concert.
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