Esther Kretzinger
- How can a festival impact society most significantly in your opinion?
A festival can have a profound impact on society not only through its artistic offerings but also by fostering a sense of community and shared experience. While critical content and thought-provoking art are important for encouraging reflection and dialogue, the emotional atmosphere of the event is equally significant. A festival has the potential to create a space of positivity, where people feel welcomed and connected, regardless of background or identity. This feeling of belonging and joy can transcend the festival itself, influencing attendees to bring that positive energy and sense of community into their everyday lives. When a festival creates a supportive, inclusive, and uplifting environment, it can inspire people to contribute to their social circles in meaningful ways, spreading the goodwill and connection they experienced.
- Can we influence politics as a sector?
Yes, I believe we can influence politics as a sector, and this question is personally important to me. By bringing people together, we are already engaging in politics. Politics is not just about making decisions, but about showing pathways and possibilities. Culture and politics go hand in hand. Politics is a means of communication and a bridge-builder, which is why culture and politics are intrinsically linked. Through our work, we can present politics in a more positive light and encourage meaningful conversations. However, as a cultural professional, I do not see myself as an activist, nor do I want to be understood as one. My focus is on fostering dialogue and creating spaces for understanding, not advocating for political change in the activist sense.
- Do we want to fulfil a societal purpose? More than ever or less?
More than ever. It is increasingly the role of culture to fulfill societal purposes. While we are not ambassadors for specific societal changes, we see our task in education. Culture has the power to shape perspectives, inspire dialogue, and address social issues by creating spaces for learning and reflection. Rather than advocating for specific political or societal changes, we aim to facilitate understanding and foster discussions that can contribute to a more informed and compassionate society.
Esther Kretzinger is a singer, curator, and producer based in Berlin. She studied singing, opera and music theater at the Mozarteum University Salzburg, where she graduated with honors in 2008 and received the Lilli Lehmann Medal. Since 2014, she has been responsible for curating and producing cultural projects, including the Weissenhorn Klassik Festival, where she directs programming and artistic content, and the Kulturhaltestelle in Berlin, which functions as a hub for cultural projects and music productions. Since 2021, she has been part of the leading team at the Giacinto Scelsi Festival in Basel, where she contributes as head of Kulturhaltestelle, focusing on contemporary music and interdisciplinary approaches. As a singer, Kretzinger has been awarded prizes at major competitions, including first prize at the Bundeswettbewerb Gesang Berlin, and other awards in Vienna, Graz, and Hamburg. Her work as a performer spans classical, contemporary, jazz, and free improvisation. As a producer, she is dedicated to developing thematic and narrative-driven projects. Kretzinger is also a guest teacher in Europe and Asia, including at the China Conservatory of Music in Beijing. She collaborates with international orchestras, theaters, and festivals, and is committed to reshaping the role of the artist in the 21st century.