Kalesnikava says art sustained her through five years in prison

Belarusian musician and political opposition activist Maryja Kalesnikava says art and music helped her endure five years in prison, including a period in isolation. She spoke to ORF Steiermark after playing with a large orchestra in Graz for the first time since her release.

Kalesnikava was arrested after campaigning against Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. She spent three years in isolation, according to ORF. The University of Music and Performing Arts Graz awarded her an honorary doctorate in October. This year, she also opened the Salzburg Festival and took part in Musikprotokoll in Graz.

Although she had no access to her flute in prison, Kalesnikava said she did not feel alone. Her thoughts, art and the love of family and friends gave her inner strength. She said freedom now means appreciating everyday things, spending time with loved ones and being able to engage with art.

Kalesnikava said art cannot end wars or replace politics, but it can have influence and help people. She argued that governments should support art and culture, adding that authoritarian regimes fear people thinking independently.