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Performance · 5 May 2026

Do musicians have the right to perform at a low level?

Recently, I attended a concert that left me with mixed feelings. It was organized by an association that brings music to places where access to cultural events is limited — prisons, nursing homes, and remote rural communities. They also focus on educational work, offering lessons in isolated regions and smaller towns. Organizations like this exist in Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Romania… It’s a wonderful initiative, in my opinion.

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At the concert I attended, pianists involved in this work across different countries performed a variety of pieces. However, I was left with many questions regarding the quality of the performance, the level of preparation, and the respect shown to the audience in presenting the music in such a way.

Perhaps in the environments where they usually perform, this level is acceptable, and the context itself plays a different role. But when an artist appears on a central concert stage in a city — where there is a strong likelihood of an audience that includes professional musicians — should they not be held to a different standard of preparation?

Or do musicians have the right to perform at the level they have reached, with all forms of artistic expression being equally valid?