Egypt's Al Nour Wal Amal (light and hope) chamber orchestra, a music group for visually impaired women, has faced many challenges over the decades, yet none have been quite like this year's coronavirus pandemic.
After months without playing, the orchestra members resumed rehearsals three weeks ago and on Sunday held their first concert since the start of the global health crisis at the Manasterly Palace in Cairo.
The orchestra, made up entirely of visually-impaired women, aside from its conductor, played for a small group, wearing masks and exercising social distancing.
In March, Egypt imposed several restrictions to contain the spread of coronavirus including the banning of all cultural activities. The orchestra members found this extremely frustrating and missed the fulfilment they get from making music, they said.
"The coronavirus came about, and we all had to stay at home," said Amal Fikry, deputy director of Al Nour Wal Amal Association, a charity that runs the orchestra.
"The girls were very upset that they had to stay home. They didn't have their special instruments."
Egypt has relaxed coronavirus restrictions recently, which enabled the women to rehearse again, although in smaller groups.
The orchestra currently holds its fourth generation of musicians. It has performed in more than 25 countries, including Austria, Kuwait, the United Kingdom, Spain, Japan and Greece.
The women have special techniques to read and memorise notes. They specialise in Western classical music, as well as modern oriental music.
