In Thailand, some Buddhists view physical or intellectual disability as punishment manifested for wrongdoing in a past life. The Thai Blind Orchestra, made up of children as young as 9, hopes to help combat this perception through its musical training and performances.
Rungroj Yongrit, a photographer with the European Pressphoto Agency, spent time at rehearsals and performances with the members of the Thai Blind Orchestra, showcasing their talents and dedication.
The orchestra currently includes around 15 blind children, who learn traditional Thai songs and classical Western compositions. It was founded by Alongkot Chukaew, a classically trained musician who also runs the Thai Elephants Research and Conservation Fund in northern Thailand.
Chukaew, who teaches the young musicians to read music in Braille, said he hopes to enhance both their skills and their pride in who they are.
European Pressphoto Agency contributed reporting.
Cholticha Iamvijit, 10, tunes a violin during a rehearsal.Credit: EPARUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA
Members of the Thai Blind Orchestra rehearse.Credit: RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA
Kanya Phu-ard, 12, bursts into laughter during a rehearsal.Credit: RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA
Cholticha Iamvijit, 10, rests under a chair during a rehearsal break.Credit: RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA
Members of the Thai Blind Orchestra dress for a May 17 performance at a Rotary Cub charity event benefitting aid projects for the blind.Credit: RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA
Musicians with the Thai Blind Orchestra hold on to each other as they are guided into a performance at a Rotary Cub in Bangkok.Credit: RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA
Members of the Thai Blind Orchestra practice with their cellos.Credit: RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPA
The Thai Blind Orchestra performs in Bangkok on May 17.Credit: RUNGROJ YONGRIT/EPATopicsMusic
(责任编辑：熱點)
Mom discovers security cameras hacked, kids' bedroom livestreamed
A mother in Houston, Texas woke up one morning to pretty much every parent's worst-case scenario.。 "
...[详细]Over 82,000 evacuate as Blue Cut fire rapidly spreads in southern California
A rapidly spreading wildfire in southern California's Cajon Pass has grown in hot, dry weather, thre
...[详细]More than half of women in advertising have faced sexual harassment, report says
If you are a woman in advertising, chances are you've faced workplace sexual harassment at one point
...[详细]