As artists, we have a responsibility to speak out against injustice. Art speaks to the deepest human impulses and has long been a vessel for political expression — particularly for those who are persecuted and oppressed.

Through our concerts, we aim to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and to raise funds for the vital work of both international humanitarian organisations and local Palestinian community development initiatives. We reject the suppression of pro-Palestinian voices across the arts. Make Freedom Ring exists to amplify those voices. We hope to provide a platform for our colleagues in the classical music world, as well as for Palestinians who have endured oppression for decades, to speak out against this injustice.

We recognise that what is happening in Palestine demands urgent redress — a redress that can only be achieved through political means. We call for an end to Israel’s flagrant violations of international law and to the crimes — including genocide and apartheid — in which our governments in the UK and Germany are complicit through their supply of weapons, military assistance, and diplomatic support.

The Palestinian people have the right to freedom from the injustices of apartheid, freedom from occupation and military blockade, and the right to self-determination. As workers in the arts, it is our duty to use our history, our voices, and our industry to organise towards that end.