Nobel Peace Prize Concert Lineup Announced
Musicians Known for Criticizing the Regime Invited
Attention on Whether Laureate Machado Will Attend the Ceremony
Musicians who have resisted Venezuela's authoritarian regime will take the stage at this year's Nobel Peace Prize concert. According to Yonhap News on December 4 (local time), the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced via social media, "We are pleased to unveil the concert lineup for this year's Nobel Peace Prize ceremony," introducing Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero, Venezuelan singer-songwriter and producer Danny Ocean, and Norwegian folk singer Vera Joner as performers.
Maria Corina Machado, the Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate this year, is receiving support from her followers during the 2023 presidential election. Photo by AP Yonhap News
These artists share a common trait: they have consistently voiced criticism against the Venezuelan government. Montero, renowned for her improvisational piano performances based on melodies requested by the audience, held a concert in South Korea in 2017. According to Yonhap News, she has repeatedly and publicly condemned the Venezuelan government.
In particular, she has urged the international music community to sever ties with cultural organizations suspected of being linked to the Venezuelan regime. According to the classical music media outlet MundoClasico, Montero claimed last January that the "El Sistema" program-which produced the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra, also well-known in South Korea-"receives funding from the Maduro regime and is used as a tool for political propaganda."
Danny Ocean, who is also a social media influencer, is considered one of the most influential figures in the Latin pop music scene. The Nobel Committee introduced him by stating, "He has set a record of over 12.5 billion streams with multiple global hit songs." He has used social media and online platforms to expose Venezuela's humanitarian and political crises.
Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader Machado gathered in Bogota, Colombia on October 11 to celebrate the Nobel Peace Prize award. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
Previously, in October, the Norwegian Nobel Committee selected Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado as this year's Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The Nobel Committee stated that Machado "has tirelessly promoted the democratic rights of the Venezuelan people and worked for a just and peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy."
Machado ran for president last year but was unable to campaign openly due to repression by the Maduro regime. While most opposition leaders have fled abroad, she continues the pro-democracy movement in Venezuela while remaining in hiding. Recently, she posted a video on social media announcing a "Declaration of Freedom" that outlined her vision for a new era in Venezuela.
There is also considerable attention on whether Machado will attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony scheduled for December 10. She has repeatedly expressed her intention to attend the ceremony in person. However, the Venezuelan government has warned, "We need to secure Machado's custody to investigate charges such as conspiracy," and stated that "if she leaves Venezuela, she will be considered a fugitive."
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