Music & Politics: Maria Kalesnikava on Activism, Art and Resistance

Maria Kalesnikava is a Belarusian flautist, conductor, and pro-democracy political activist. Her long standing civic engagement reached a turning point in May 2020, when she became campaign manager for presidential candidate Viktar Babaryka. Following his arrest, she joined forces with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and Veranika Tsapkala, forming a trio that united the democratic opposition against the authoritarian regime and in favour of a non-violent power transfer. Kalesnikava’s defiance became internationally renowned in September 2020 when, after being abducted by security forces, she tore up her passport at the Ukrainian border to prevent her forced exile. This act of courage led to her arrest, and in 2021 she was sentenced to 11 years in prison on politically motivated charges. After enduring prolonged periods in solitary confinement, Kalesnikava was released in December 2025 as part of a diplomatic agreement involving the United States. Now living in Germany, Kalesnikava continues her artistic and civic work and is widely regarded as an exceptional example of the fusion of artistic excellence and moral courage. Among numerous honours, she has received the International Charlemagne Prize in recognition of her commitment to democracy and human rights.

MODERATION:
Mirjana Tomić (fjum/Presseclub Concordia)

Music & Politics is a cooperation between Concordia, fjum and ERSTE Foundation