“Don’t give us the freedom to choose”

“…because we don't always know what will benefit us most."

For the first time, a female client (an incarcerated person) participated in the discussion at the 5th New Audience Symposium on June 3rd, 2026, which focused on the impact of Musethica concerts in prison settings. Joining anonymously from a women's prison in Berlin, she shared her experiences of attending Musethica concerts and offered a valuable audience perspective on questions such as whether attendance at Musethica concerts should be voluntary and whether the influence of alpha inmates might be overestimated.

The lasting impact of live music behind bars was discussed among representatives from correctional facilities in Germany and Sweden, researchers, and project partners. The discussion was moderated by Tobias Schmidt, a teacher at the Helmuth-Hübener School in Berlin’s juvenile detention facility.

Participants reflected on the wide range of reactions that concerts can evoke: joy, comfort, and hope, but also discomfort, frustration, and even resistance, particularly when audiences encounter dissonant or unfamiliar music. Rather than viewing these challenging emotions as negative outcomes, participants emphasised their potential value. Music can open spaces for reflection, spark conversations, and encourage people to engage with feelings that might otherwise remain unaddressed.

Alongside these benefits and the importance of choice regarding where concerts take place within the facility, another equally valuable impact of these encounters was highlighted:

Participants observed that clients are often impressed by the dedication, discipline, and perseverance required to pursue a professional career in music. The musicians they meet have chosen a demanding path, shaped by years of practice, uncertainty, intense competition, and frequent setbacks. Yet they continue to invest their time and energy in their craft. For many inmates, this commitment serves as a powerful example and can spark conversations about resilience, patience, and goals for life after release, as examples from Freiburg (Germany) and Porto showed.

We look forward to continuing this exchange at the next New Audience Symposium, which will take place on September 8th, 2026, on the topic of „The psychiatric ward as a concert hall.“ Further information will be available on our website soon.