The Classical Music World Speaks Out Against the Far Right

From Natalie Dessay to Pascal Dusapin, from Alexandre Kantorow to Emmanuelle Haïm, from Stéphane Degout to Alain Altinoglu, more than five hundred leading figures in the classical music world have signed a letter calling for a "barrage" against the Rassemblement National. Historically, classical musicians were considered indifferent or timid about political issues, with few vocal exceptions like Alexandre Tharaud. However, a recent appeal by singers Nora Gubisch and Stéphane Degout has led to a unified response, resulting in a joint text published on the Télérama website two days before the first round of the elections. This letter has garnered over five hundred signatures from the classical music community.

The letter addresses the current political climate following Emmanuel Macron's dissolution of the National Assembly on June 9, expressing deep concern over the potential rise of the Rassemblement National. It describes the party's ideology as built on hatred of difference, rejection of foreigners, and fear of cultural diversity. The signatories emphasize that these values are fundamentally incompatible with the principles of the artistic community, which thrives on encounters with diversity, irrespective of religion, skin color, or nationality.

The signatories raise alarms about the imminent danger threatening their professions and the broader cultural sector, including public broadcasting, which faces the risk of privatization—a move they consider catastrophic. The letter concludes with a call for a Republican front, urging voters to reject the "ni-ni" approach and to block the Rassemblement National. It calls on the public to maintain hope and focus on the true targets of their votes.