On their 31st international tour, Al-Nour Wal Amal, the Egyptian blind women's chamber orchestra, gave three concerts in Hong Kong (3 August) followed by Zhuhai (5 August) and Guanghzou (7 August).

This was the orchestra's first visit to Hong Kong and China but not their first tour in Asia, as in previous years the ensemble has also visited Japan, Thailand and India.

In Hong Kong, the orchestra, conducted by Mohamed Saad Basha, performed at the Hong Kong Community Hall.

In China, the musicians were welcomed in remarkable concert halls. Zhuhai Mozart Concert Hall situated at the Zhuhai Huafa and CPAA Grand Theatre, captured the audience's breath with its golden walls and balconies in post-modern style.

The auditorium has over 800 seats and a tailor-made German organ.

The audience did not want the musicians to leave after the concert and asked for encores three times.

In Guanghzou, the Al-Nour Wal Amal Orchestra performed in the small hall of the famed Guanghzou Opera House, a remarkable edifice designed by Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. Embraced by the modern skyscrapers, the opera is the pride of the city, its design in harmony with the banks of Pearl River which runs through the city.

And just like in previous concerts in Hong Kong and Zhuhai, Al-Nour Wal Amal also captured the hearts of audience gathered in the Guanghzou opera's small hall.

The orchestra was warmly welcomed by the opera which also offered city tours for the musicians. The artists enjoyed the music as well as site-seeing, socialising and exploring the new cities and traditions.

Text and photos: Ati Metwaly

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