People with autism in Turkey who are homebound due to the Coronavirus will display their musical skills at the IZOT Home Autism Festival, a project organized by the Izmir Autism Orchestra and Choir to make concerts live online after choir members expressed disappointment about cancellations.
According to a report this month by Turkish news site Hurriyet Daily News, IZOT has given concerts in over 180 cities around the world since 2013. Orçun Berrakçay, a music educator and IZOT’s founder, said the festival was organized to brighten the lives of people with autism during the Covid-19 lockdown. Berrakcay said he believes this is the first festival for people with autism to be held on social media, and said that one hour programs will be organized until May 22.
Ufuk Yıldırım, a popular Turkish singer, said he was excited about being invited to the IZOT festival as a guest artist. He also expressed admiration for the talent of people with autism, and said he has them throughout his artistic life.
Gizem Dag, a young adult with autism, was very excited to participate, saying that playing her instrument in front of the camera made her feel as if she were giving an actual live concert.
Source: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/people-with-autism-perform-at-online-festival-154526