With its strong commitment to social and political causes, the Haizebegi Festival continues to surprise. Yesterday, Dr. Ahmad Sarmast, director of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM), announced that the families of the musicians in the Zohra Orchestra would finally be reunited with their loved ones in Portugal. The announcement was made in the presence of the Ambassador of the Republic of Portugal, Mr. José Augusto Duarte. This excellent news—a strong political decision—serves as a reminder of the untenable political situation in Afghanistan. A symbol of hope, the Zohra Orchestra “broke the silence” by celebrating their return to the stage yesterday, for the first time since their exile.
Yona Bernadas
