In this final episode of our zamus mini-series, we meet two of the driving forces behind the “Creating New Spaces” symposium: Charlotte Nachtsheim, organiser of the event, and Mélanie Froehly artistic director of zamus. Together with the artistic director of the festival Midori Seiler they have shaped the structure of the symposium and brought this idea come true.
We speak with Charlotte about the meaning of colonialism and decolonialism in the context of early music—how the field is shaped by its history, and what it means to rethink that history in today’s world. Can early music become a space for equity, awareness, and reflection?
Then, Mélanie shares her artistic vision and the story behind integrating such an important topic into a festival setting. We talk about structural challenges, curatorial decisions, and the deep personal motivation that connects both women to this work—not just as organisers, but as musicians and advocates for a more inclusive and responsible cultural scene.
Together, they explore how music and art can become a safe space—where difficult conversations are welcomed, and new perspectives can flourish.
Music in the episode:
Florence Price: Symphony No. 1 in E minor
Alice Smith (1839-1884) - Symphony in A minor
00:00 – Intro & guest introductions: Charlotte Nachtsheim & Mélanie Froehly
00:53 – Symposium theme: “Creating New Spaces”
02:09 – Colonialism & decolonisation in early music
04:49 – Problematic content & how to handle it
06:10 – Transition to Mélanie Froehly
07:07 – The concept of zamus - Center of Early Music in Cologne
08:58 – How the idea for the symposium emerged, collegial approach
11:14 – Integrating the symposium into the festival
12:40 – Present perspectives & future plans
13:18 – Personal motivation & societal change
15:22 – Sneak peek at the next zamus edition
18:40 – Outro
#EarlyMusic#DecolonisingMusic#ColonialHeritage#HistoricalPerformance#CriticalClassics#OperaReimagined#MusicAndSociety#InclusiveArts#MusicHistoryMatters#BaroqueVoices#SoundAndStory#ArtAsResistance#NewSpacesInMusic#CulturalReflection#ListeningDifferently