The German violinist who has declared a boycott on Trump’s USA is mystified at the lack of protest among American musicians and institutions. In Zurich this week, he played the Ukrainian national anthem at his concert.
Christian Tetzlaff tells NDR:
‘I struggled with myself terribly, because America was actually always my main playing field. I have at least 20 concerts in America every year and have many contacts, friends, organizers and rooms where I really enjoy playing. But I didn’t see any other option for myself, not even for the future. If it’s something that addresses the situation for Americans who are suffering under politics, then I can imagine playing a concert, but not as an entertainment program at the moment.
‘Many of us feel sadness about what we have lost, anger and pity, but none of these things are useful or good for us in the long run. For me, the reason I’m cancelling is because there is absolute silence in America, among musicians, orchestras, even politicians. We would all expect millions of people to be on the streets now, because everything America stood for is being abolished. Women’s rights are being abolished, equality issues are being completely cancelled…
‘Europe is under terrible attack; the fact that environmental destruction is being deliberately encouraged with a smile affects not only Americans, but also me, my children and especially my grandchildren. That’s why staying silent is not an option….’
Full interview here.
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