The “Joy of singing” overcomes visual impairments

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The "Joy of singing" overcomes visual impairments

© EU Delegation to Albania

Feeling the deepest emotions from their songs, many singers close their eyes while performing, especially on the highest notes. Immersed in the music, they express all the nuances that it holds. But for many artists who are visually impaired, either blind or partially sighted, darkness is not a choice-it is the world in which they live and seek to overcome. In addition to the daily challenges they face, it is harder for them to read, play, and sing music.

In Albania, a choir of visually impaired singers has managed to break down barriers and participate in various musical events. "As a professor at the Artistic Lyceum and the University of Arts, I had students with visual impairments. After years of experience, I had the idea of forming a vocal group where they could feel equal and enjoy the same opportunities. I saw their will, passion, and commitment, and the main goal was to show them that the stage is open for them," recalls Suzana Turku, an influential figure in classical music in Albania, conducting works by both Albanian and international composers.

As one of the few female conductors in the country, she had previously founded the choir "Pax Dei," but this was a completely different project. "The audience cannot feel what I feel when working with them, or what they feel when performing. But people sing to enjoy it, and so do they. They show dignity, are highly committed and well-prepared, disciplined, and possess characters that command respect. Our message is one of inclusivity, equality, and altruism. They remind us that despite difficulties, with discipline, one can achieve their goals. In return, we must look beyond ourselves. After all, the stage belongs to those with talent, and these artists certainly have it," says Professor Turku.

At the outset, the choir included visually impaired singers and amateurs who assisted them. Now, the group is composed of both visually impaired singers and sighted artists in equal measure. Turku notes that they support each other during concerts and tours in Albania, Greece, and France. Together with Besim Petrela from "Syri Blu," they named the choir "Joy of Singing," and they are part of the "Visually Inclusive Choirs" project, funded by the European Union. The project aims to promote and encourage the artistic talents of persons with disabilities and raise awareness of their visibility.

Over the years, almost 30 singers or amateurs have been part of the vocal ensemble. Some have studied music formally, while others have not. They face their own challenges, notes Professor Turku, but they refuse to accept limits, finding alternative ways to learn and memorise what they need. "They have their own methods of writing and practising, depending on the material we're working on. I discuss the parts with them, and we decide together because, when we are on stage, I have professional expectations," she explains.

As the audience observes the relationship and communication between a conductor and visually impaired artists during a concert, it may be difficult to understand how they 'see' the movement of the baton. "Conducting such a choir is specific and special. We communicate through claps, taps, or counting, particularly with long notes. When we have an accelerando, I clap my hands. After rehearsals, they can follow me through the signals I give. They learn to understand me. It's a different way of working, but it makes me happy," she says.

Her work with the choir is driven by sensitivity and care, as she highlights the burdens faced by families with children who have special needs. "Families do everything they can, but they need our help and understanding. Children should be taught to give them love and accept them for who they are," she emphasises.

The choir's repertoire includes well-known pieces from Albania, Greece, and France, as well as classical works by composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. On Europe Day in Tirana, they performed the European anthem "Ode to Joy," demonstrating that the 'joy of singing' can transcend visual impairments.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The objective of the project of strengthening capacities of blind and visually impaired choir singers is in line with the EU Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities 2021-2030, namely its point 5 that invites Member States to promote and encourage arts of persons with disabilities and raise awareness making them visible through exhibitions and performances. VIC (Visually Inclusive Choirs) involves 3 cultural organizations experience in working choir singers, among which there is knowledge how to work with blind and visually impaired choir through a 2 years lasting project 2 rounds of exchanges, workshops, practicing and pedagogic residencies in Tirana, Karditsa and Strasbourg involving a total of 36 choir singers, where half of them will be blind and visually impaired choir singers (6 per partner or 18 per year or 36 for both years). The project increases international mobility and intercultural knowledge of blind and visually impaired choir singers from France, Albania and Greece: "Syri blu" (Albania), "Vue d'Ensemble" (France) and "Karditsa" (Greece). It strengthens choir conductors' capacities to work with blind and visually impaired singers and promote new, attractive and inclusive choir performances. Cultural or education structures in targeted areas are more sensitized in including more blind and visually impaired choir singers in their activity programme while the programme increases awareness and support of citizens for using music as a tool for building a culturally diverse and socially inclusive community.