For Hamida Qasimi, a Tauranga Arts Festival orchestral event is wondrously opening doors closed to her by the Taliban.

Qasimi, who recently fled Afghanistan to begin a new life in Tauranga, has long yearned to “hear a violin up close and touch one”.

This week, she did more than that, thanks to Opus Orchestra’s general manager, Rebecka Beetz.

Beetz, and her violin, met Qasimi in the lead-up to the Tauranga Arts Festival Opus Pocket Orchestra Concert and the young emigrant not only heard Beetz play, she got to draw the bow across the strings herself, to her heart’s content.

It was “a beautiful experience”, she said.

“I have never seen or heard one before because where I lived before, there weren’t many chances to see musical instruments like that. I have seen other instruments but not a violin.

“That’s why I’m very happy and excited and feel very lucky to have this chance now,” Qasimi said.

“Before the Taliban came, music was a normal and beloved part of people’s lives.

“Everyone enjoyed singing and we even had music programmes on television.

“But later, it was banned – playing instruments and singing became considered a sin and a serious crime.”

The prospect of attending the Opus Pocket Orchestra Concert - a free family event at Tauranga City library on November 1,2 - brings with it great excitement for Qasimi, who had long considered the violin “very special”.

Qasimi heard about the event through former Tauranga Arts Festival trustee Sue Hoffart, who is a family friend.

“I think the violin is very special because its sound feels full of emotion,” Qasimi said.

“When I hear it, I feel calm and happy. I like that it can make both soft, gentle sounds and strong, powerful ones.”

Qasimi’s sense of happiness was further compounded when Beetz offered free tickets to Opus Orchestra’s Beethoven Unwrapped Concert, which will be performed at St Peter’s Church in the City this Sunday. Qasimi will be joined by her sister, Amina.

The two women, both in their 20’s, travelled from Afghanistan two months ago to take up residency in Tauranga.

Exposing Qasimi to the violin offers Beetz “a beautiful opportunity” to bestow what she says feels like a gift; and to someone special.

“It is so sad to hear a story like this, where someone is not allowed to have music in their lives.

“Music is not a luxury; it is a necessity that’s especially beneficial for people who have gone through trauma like this.

“Yes, people need to eat, have a roof over their heads etc, but their souls need healing and nourishment too,” said Beetz, who has been a violinist with Opus for about 15 years.

Tauranga Arts Festival general manager Sarah Cotter said the Opus Pocket Orchestra Concert involved 30-minute sessions offering a joyful and interactive introduction to orchestral music.

They were designed especially for young children (but not exclusively so) and their families.

Each performance blended storytelling, movement, and song with plenty of chances for children to clap, dance, and get up close to the instruments.

Both sessions at Tauranga City Library begin at 10am on November 1 and 2. No tickets are required.

For more information regarding this, and other Tauranga Art Festival events, see www.taurangafestival.co.nz