Violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter Shares Intentions to Continue Performing in the U.S.

“Music creates a space where we can meet and become one regardless of our political opinions,” Mutter said in an interview

In a recent interview with BR-Klassik on her upcoming Bavaria tour of John Williams’ music with conductor Lina Gonzalez-Granados, violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter also shared her stance on performing in the US under Trump’s administration. 

Mutter’s latest projects in the US have included recitals with pianist and frequent collaborator Lambert Orkis, plus a tour with VC Artist Pablo Ferrández and Yefim Bronfman. 

“During our recital tour, Lambert and I had the impression that music is more important than ever in America,” Mutter said. “A program like that, with Mozart and a Schubert Fantasy, isn’t exactly easy to listen to, but the audience was incredibly focused and almost desperately passionate. 

“We also played at two universities and spoke with the deans afterward,” she continued. “They all spoke passionately about the connection to Germany and Europe and about the absolutely necessary cultural dialogue … The deans were grateful that this exchange still exists, that we’re not tarring everyone with the same brush, and that it still exists for us in Europe. We mustn’t forget: 48 percent of Americans would have preferred a different political decision. 

“I believe that it’s especially important now to keep the dialogue open with artists and people who are suffering greatly under the situation. Music is indeed still the bridge,” she expressed. “It creates a space where we can meet and become one, regardless of our political opinions. And we mustn’t forget that cultural funding is privately held. We naturally hope that this private sector will continue to act philanthropically and that, if we only talk about art now, we’ll get through the next few years.”

Musicians such as violinist Christian Tetzlaff, pianist András Schiff, and pianist Schaghajegh Nosrati cancelled their US tour dates earlier this year over concerns with major policy changes implemented by the Trump administration. 

When asked by BR-Klassik on this matter, Mutter responded that she understands these artists’ views, but does not share the same path as them. 

“You really have to consistently pursue such an attitude,” she explained. “And we also have to clean up our own backyard. Where do I begin to rise above political systems and say I don’t care about the people there? That’s not my path at the moment. I want the path of openness.”