In the coming days we will have Elena Dzamashvili perform at the Cairo Opera House.
It is often said that music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent. Troubled children are often placed into music programs to give them an outlet they can focus on and relieve their stress. Violinists are said to live shorter lives than anyone else because of the connection their heart makes to the music they produce. What is it about music that makes people calm, and brings peace to a situation?
This Gregorian pianist will be playing in Cairo. Cairo! We have had nothing but political unrest and turmoil. Protests, tragedies, and violence have been on the agenda for quite some time now, and seems to be turning into a new societal norm. For Dzamashvili to waltz into Cairo’s Opera House and perform various waltzes seems bittersweet.
Why bittersweet? Who do you think will be attending this concert? Do you honestly believe that Egypt’s poverty stricken and poor people could even be able to afford something like this? This recital will be witnessed by Egypt’s filthy rich, upper class, even snobs! I’m sure each ticket will be no less than a few hundred Egyptian pounds. Why and how could someone from the lower class or even working class afford a price like that?
The bittersweet part is that it is no lie that music soothes the soul. Music brings a sense of serenity, a sense of belonging, and a sense of relaxation. What do the upper class citizens need to relax from? Where has been the unrest for them? The people who need this type of piano therapy are the ones who are fighting for a better Egypt, the ones who are having to live in violence, and the ones who are suffering to achieve their dreams.
It is not fair for the hardworking, anguished people to miss out on an opportunity to calm their nerves because they cannot afford it.
Yes it’s amazing that Cairo is welcoming a night of music and celebrating the arts, but it would be even more amazing if the people who actually needed to participate in this event, could.
Now, if I read news that Dzamashvili was performing a free concert for everyone on Wednesday, I would be so surprised and joyful. An event like that could really impact the Egyptians who are fighting for Egypt right now.
We are not there yet, but as I said in the title, Egypt’s only in the intermission, we have no idea what’s to come in Act 2.
