“I was incredibly nervous because I didn’t know what I was going to experience.” This is how the best-known Swiss alphorn virtuoso and musician Eliana Burki (38) describes her performance in Siberia’s women’s prison in Krasnoyarsk. “My band and I knew that the women were imprisoned there for murder, drugs and prostitution.” It was the end of her month-long tour abroad, on which she was accompanied by her daughter Nala (2) and her partner, the US writer Blas Ulibarri (47) – also to jail. The Swiss embassy in Moscow, which Burki invited to the performance, rated this as harmless. “That is why Blas and I had a good feeling,” said the woman from Solothurn.
«At the hotel we were picked up by a prison bus, accompanied by three policemen. Our cell phones were taken away from us so that we couldn’t take photos, as only official photos from prison can be used, ”says Burki. When they arrived after three security checks, their loved ones were shown to a special room. “There were other children there too, everything was very nicely arranged. Garlands hung on the walls, and there were cakes and toys for the children. Nala enjoyed herself, played with the other little ones. “
Children born in prison must leave after three years
Prisoners who give birth are allowed to keep their child in prison until the age of three. Then they go back to the family. If there is none, they live in an orphanage, as Eliana Burki relates.
“When we started playing, there was an incredible silence. The women were dressed in their green prison outfits, because of the protective masks you could only see their eyes. ” She tried to pick her up with her music. «I sang of homesickness. How it feels when you miss the family. However, you should always know that you stay in the hearts of your loved ones – no matter where you are or what you have done. ” The content of their pieces was explained to the women by a translator. «Their eyes began to shine, many tears ran down their masks, us on stage too. We were all very touched, it was my most emotional performance », says Eliana Burki.
Her appearance, for which there was a standing ovation from the women, did not go unnoticed – Burki was invited to local television. “The fact that I was able to give moments of distraction and love with my music fills me with humility and gratitude. I will never forget the tears of the prisoners. “