Music in protest: 9 powerful images of music’s role in times of conflict

5 June 2020, 21:38 | Updated: 5 June 2020, 21:43

In times when people have risen up against injustice, fought oppression, and expressed their will, music has always been there. Here are moments when it helped give a voice.

1. Detroit, Michigan. 3 June 2020

   Trumpeter at a demonstration following the death of George Floyd.

   

   Read more: Musicians protest against George Floyd’s death and police brutality >

2. Kiev, Ukraine. December 2013

   An unnamed pianist plays Chopin in Kiev's main square. Just days before, security forces had violently removed protesters in a night-time assault.

   

3. Hong Kong. 29 September 2014

   Musicians play on the streets of their city, in support of the Occupy Hong Kong protests.

   

4. Baltimore, Maryland. 29 April 2015

   The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra play on the street outside their concert hall, during protests for Freddie Gray, who died in police custody.

   

5. Greece-Macedonia border. 2015

   Syrian refugee Rami Basisah plays his violin on the Greece-Macedonia border.

   

6. Bogota, Colombia. 27 November 2019

   Musicians play as part of protests against President Duque in Colombia's capital.

   

7. Istanbul, Turkey. 15 June 2013

   A cellist plays during the pro-freedom of speech Gezi Park protests.

   

8. Caracas, Venezuela. 24 May 2017

   A violinist stands in front of an armoured vehicle and water cannon, during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro in the Venezuelan capital.

   

9. Berlin, Germany. 11 November 1989

   Two days after the official fall of the Berlin Wall, cellist Mstislav Rostropovich plays Bach's Cello Suites at the frontier.