Deaf music lover gets her wish a fully accessible Montreal concert

NatashaLuttrellis Deaf, but that doesn't stop her from enjoying live music.

She was born hearing, and told CBC that she likes concertsbecause she has memories of sound, and likesfeeling the vibrations.

As an avid music lover, Luttrellhad been hoping for Deaf Finnish rap artist Signmark to come to Montreal and today, her wish was granted.

"It's amazing. Icant believe it happened,"Luttrellsaidthrough an interpreter.

She was all smiles during today's free concert hosted by the Montreal symphony orchestra an event that brought together people from the Deaf community as well as the hearing.

"It was fascinating to see the orchestra, the visuals," she said. "You could really feel the vibrations where I was sitting."

The event was organizedbased on awish she made as part of the Wish it Forward campaign put on by BMO, so naturally Luttrell got the best seat in the house.

"When Iread her wish, Ithought it was simple yet so powerful," said Mario Rigante, senior vice president of BMO Quebec.

"It's a special one because it brings together the Deaf community and the hearing community."

• How sign language interpreter Holly Maniatty keeps music accessible

For his part,rapper Signmark told CBC through an interpreter that he jumped at the chance to participate in the event.

"When I first heard about this story and this wish,Ithought it was amazing. I decided right away I had to be here," he said. "I'm always very happy to make someone else happy."

Deaf musician Signmark wants to make dreams come true

7 years ago

Duration 0:39

Deaf musician Signmark wants to make dreams come true

In June, Luttrell petitioned organizers of the Montreal International Jazz Festivalto providean American Sign Language interpreter for one of their shows.

She went on tofile a complaint with the Quebec Human Rights Commission after her request was denied.

She told CBC Sunday that she hopes this kind of event will help bring the issue to the forefront.

"People need to understand that sign language is not a service, sign language is a right."