In the paradise of cultural policy

At the end, the winner of the Grand Prix Music and the Federal President perform a duet. And you think: what a paradise we live in, where politics and culture get along so well, where there is such harmony. Alain Berset, now at the grand piano, has also previously given a truly spiritual performance that is reminiscent of the trumpeter's great career. Erik Truffaz with admiration and wit.

Carlo Balmelli, Mario Batkovic, Lucia Cadotsch, Ensemble Nikel, Sonja Moonear, Katharina Rosenberger, Saadet Türköz, Helvetia rocks, Walcheturm art space, Pronto. - There is also warm applause for all the other winners, and the chic program booklet and the elaborate video recordings of each and every one of them do not need to prove that they all more than deserve this award and the prize money. One can only agree when Erik Truffaz, in his acceptance speech, once again thanks Switzerland for inventing a prize that rewards people who care for the soul.

These differently knitted Helvetian souls also enjoy very different music and musical activities. The majority of the soul food awarded on this evening is urban, experimental, avant-garde and hybrid. (Incidentally, much of it precisely meets the aims of the new cultural message and fulfills à merveille numerous Pro Helvetia funding criteria). And so the local music paradise suddenly seems small. Prizewinner Rosenberger works together with prizewinner Walcheturm, prizewinner Cadotsch is accompanied in her performance by 2014 prizewinner Julian Sartorius, prizewinner Tuffaz has often performed with 2016 prizewinner Sophie Hunger. And he thanks Pro Helvetia for supporting him so often on tour.

The "responsibility towards the sounds" that Mario Batkovic refers to in his speech is something that many others in this country are also aware of. Of course, the top is being celebrated tonight. That is also true. But - truism - the top can only survive on a broad base. And this often has to deal with thorns and thistles, like the exiles from paradise. Keyword school music: the Confederation remains hidden behind clouds of federalism instead of - dream! - to convince the cantons with a flaming sword to provide this subject with solidly trained staff and sufficient compulsory lessons. Amateur music, choirs and music associations would also be fertile and grateful ground for more national attention. So that they could, for example, employ a professionally trained conductor, a voice coach or a choir director on fair terms.

There is a talking sequence in the video about Carlo Balmelli. The Ticino prizewinner stands alone on a stage and conducts. He conducts into the void, there is no wind orchestra present, no base. A cinematic highlight, of course, but nevertheless a frightening performance.

It was nice to spend an evening in paradise. Filled with joy, the national music policy can now think more about how to get the milk and honey flowing a little more abundantly outside the country.