WE SEE YOU in Lucerne – An Artistic Response in Times of War

We live in times of war. Every day, people die – in Gaza, in Ukraine, in Sudan. Families are torn apart, livelihoods destroyed, living spaces wiped out. And we are constantly witnesses to this — through news, images, and social media. These impressions penetrate deeply into us. But if we do not process them, do not talk about them, do not take a clear stance within ourselves, something dangerous happens: We begin to accept the inhuman as part of our reality. Violence becomes normal, our empathy grows quieter — not because we want it, but because we become numb.

That is exactly why we need a stance. We need a response — and lived solidarity.

WE SEE YOU was born out of this urgency. Inspired by Clayton Thomas’ composition and the collective Sound the Alarm — a musical gesture of solidarity with the civilian population in Gaza — a network of improvising musicians from across Switzerland has formed within a year. Together, they perform to make something audible and visible.

Each concert is open in form but carried by a clear attitude: We listen. We play because we want to respond. Because we refuse to remain silent. Because we believe music can be more than art — a tool for connection and dignity.

At the center is something fundamental: our inner world, our capacity to feel, our humanity. If we do not counter the flood of violence, suffering, and helplessness, we lose a part of ourselves. Then the unimaginable becomes everyday — and we no longer feel it. And with the ability to feel, we also lose the ability to act.

Listening together creates strength. It connects us and reminds us that we are not alone — and that we can be there for each other.

WE SEE YOU is an attitude. A living, artistic resistance against indifference. An attempt to remain human — and to share humanity.

In Lucerne, we performed the original composition by Clayton Thomas with:

• Jonas Gehrigk – Double Bass

• Valeria Zangger – Drums

• Daniel Steffen – Piano

• Hans-Peter Pfammatter – Synthesizer

• Silke Strahl – Saxophone

• Carlo Brülhard – Saxophone

• Hannah Wirnsberger – Flute

• Nora Vetter – Viola

• Natalie Peters – Voice

• Biliana Voutchkova – Violin

• Marie Cécile Reber – Electronics

The audience at Mullbau, a small but excellent venue, was wonderful. Thanks to their support, we raised 600 CHF from ticket sales. This amount will be split equally and donated to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Ghassan Abu Sittah Children’s Fund (GASCF).

More information about the organizations:

• International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC): https://www.icrc.org

• Ghassan Abu Sittah Children’s Fund (GASCF): https://www.gascf.org

Here are some voices from the audience that vividly capture the evening:

“It is incredible how, amid this destruction, life arises. I live here in Switzerland in safety, in my princess castle, and wonder how to deal with this war. The music was beautiful and alive — my heart found peace, and I was able to bear living here while so much pain happens around me. Somehow, I was able to reconnect.”

“It is fascinating and at the same time urgent how, in these sonic images of despair and destruction, life finds its way and expression.”

“The music was stunning — it literally pulls you out of your seat.”

We look forward to you staying with us and continuing to support our initiative. Because only together can we make a difference — with stance, music, and solidarity.