Harrow Arts Centre is to welcome the only Afghan all-female orchestra for their first public concert in the UK.

Zohra Orchestra’s musicians are the first women in their families, communities and country to study music in over 30 years. Under the Taliban, Afghans were prohibited from listening to or playing music. But for 30 girls, aged from 13 to 20, in the Zohra Afghan women’s orchestra, music has become an educational pursuit – and even a career.

They come from provinces all across Afghanistan, some from poverty or the streets, to live in Kabul and study at the Afghanistan National Institute of Music, founded by Dr Ahmad Sarmast. Join them as they bring the new-found music of Afghanistan to Harrow on Saturday, March 16.

Harrow Times:

Harrow Councillor Peymana Assad has been instrumental in bringing Zohra Orchestra to the UK.

Cllr Assad said: “This is a special and unique opportunity to be able to bridge the cultural understanding between our community and Afghans who have called Harrow home, allowing people to understand different cultures and music through the arts. It’s a testimony to how we use the arts to build bridges between our communities.

“I’m proud that the London Borough of Harrow through the Harrow Arts Centre are partners in this programme and will amplify the voices of these Afghan girls who risk their lives to play music as part of the Zohra Orchestra.”

Harrow Times:

Tickets for this event are £20 for adults and £12 for under 16s, however guests can save £10 using the code ZOHRA5 if they book by Monday, March 11.

Harrow Arts Centre, 171 Uxbridge Road, Pinner, Saturday, March 16, 6.30pm. Details: 020 3773 7161 harrowarts.com