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A visit to Bahrain by a sextet ensemble from the British Paraorchestra, the world’s first professional ensemble of disabled musicians, has proved so successful that plans are underway to invite the full orchestra to perform here, writes Stan Szecowka.
The London-based performers, under artistic director Charles Hazlewood, was represented by Oliver Cross on harmonica, Lloyd Coleman on clarinet, guitarists Tom Doughty, Paul Holzher and Adrian Lee and Stephanie West on harp and flute.
They delighted concert-goers to a mixed repertoire of contemporary and classical group and solo pieces at the Shaikh Ebrahim Centre for Culture and Research in Muharraq, on Saturday night, as part of celebrations marking 200 years of Bahrain-UK relations.
During their visit to the kingdom the musicians also conducted a workshop for pupils at St Christopher’s School and attended a reception hosted by the British Council in Manama who brought them over.
“The Paraorchestra visit was a great success and the musicians have enjoyed visiting Bahrain. The sextet is just part of its full orchestra which runs to 30 musicians. Discussions are now taking place towards the full orchestra visiting Bahrain later in the year, possibly to tie in with The Bahrain International Music Festival in October,” said a spokesman for the organisers of the BHUK 2016 celebrations.
The group was formed in 2012 to help shift perceptions of disability and disabled people by creating a visible platform for gifted disabled musicians to perform and excel at the highest level. Celebrated and award-winning British conductor Mr Hazlewood was inspired to help set it up by his youngest daughter Eliza, who lives with cerebral palsy.
The British Paraorchestra memorably performed with chart-toppers Coldplay at the London 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony.
