Art and culture have always stood against any form of oppression, precisely because the freedom that artistic expression inherently implies refuses any type of external control over the artist. History has shown that where every other form of struggle has been defeated, culture remains the last and most comprehensive refuge of human values, becoming the most powerful and authentic form of resistance. The contrast between artistic freedom and the idea of oppression is, therefore, a structural conflict that has destroyed millions of lives and countless brilliant destinies. The memory and legacy of genius artists have often been completely and irreversibly erased, generating a suffering and a loss that affects all humanity forever.
On the 80th anniversary of the end of one of the most dramatic episodes in human history – the Holocaust – and in a present moment in which not a few equally dark social contexts continue to exist, there emerges an urgent need to speak about culture as the most important and comprehensive witness of history. We have the duty to constantly bring into the consciousness of the present the catastrophic effect of oppressive systems, the unimaginable loss they generate, as well as the way culture matters for the preservation of the fundamental values of humanity regardless of the political framework or historical moment.
The importance of these values underpins the concept of the present cultural endeavor, which also, in addition to the aspects already mentioned, pays tribute to those spirits who, through courage, dignity, and sacrifice, resisted persecution, ennobling art, history, and humanity. For this reason, the venues chosen for this tour are, symbolically, the most representative places in the world for the struggle for justice, freedom, and international cooperation: the four cities that host United Nations headquarters — Vienna, Geneva, New York, and Nairobi — to which is added the Australian metropolis Brisbane, for the UN center dedicated to the rights of indigenous peoples located within the university of this city.
Recital program:
September 5, 7:00 p.m.: Holy Trinity Church, Geneva, Switzerland
September 11, 7:00 p.m.: Kaisersaal, Musik Quartier, Vienna, Austria
September 17, 3:00 p.m.: Technical University of Nairobi, Kenya
September 23, 7:00 p.m.: German Club, Brisbane, Australia
October 1, 7:30 p.m.: Christ & St. Stephen’s Church, Manhattan, New York, USA