This is a human crisis, we all have a role to play. - Stefan Arzberger 

Three professional classical musicians tuned their instruments Friday 8th of May 2020 and performed a bold and emotional symphony. The concert was unlike any other, as the music resonated through the EMPTY atrium of the UNHCR Geneva Headquarters. 

Everyone counts when it comes to realizing the objectives of the Global Compact on Refugees. In fact, the Compact explicitly recognizes the importance of sports and cultural activities in social development, inclusion, cohesion and wellbeing of refugees, the forcibly displaced, stateless and host communities.

We think of refugees whose lives are even more uncertain in these times, and who may not have access to appropriate healthcare as they face even higher risks of contamination in refugee camps or crowded asylum centres. - S.A.

Persons of concern are amongst the most vulnerable. Global solidarity in line with the Compact’s core principles of burden and responsibility sharing; inclusion of persons of concern in national systems and responses, are more important than ever.

Music and other cultural activities are a way to combat discrimination and promote peaceful coexistence. Music has always been an avenue to bring people together and spread a message of solidarity and hope. This is a reminder of the importance of working together, a message that persons of concern and the people working every day to assist them are not forgotten, and their resilience in the face of adversity is recognized.

At a time when we are told to keep our physical distance, [music] also reminds us that we are bound by a human connection beyond distance or borders. - S.A.

Musicians:

• Violin: Stefan Arzberger, Primarius Leipziger Streichquartett, Lucern Festival Orchestra, Professor Academy of Music Mannheim
• Violin: Claire Dassesse, Orchestra Swiss Romande, Geneve
• Viola : Sophie Speyer, Tonhalle Zürich

Stefan Arzberger has already participated in several initiatives bringing classical music to refugees. See the project he participated in, Symphonies for peaceful coexistence, in Jordan here.