Caterina Barbieri: “The Venice Biennale must remain a sanctuary for artistic freedom”

Caterina Barbieri, a composer and guitarist, has transformed the Venice Music Biennale by introducing innovative programming and challenging traditional concert formats. Her recent festival, themed 'A Child of Sound', emphasized active listening and featured diverse performances, including those by Keiji Haino and Laraaji. Barbieri aimed to make the festival more accessible, utilizing unconventional venues and engaging the local community. She also highlighted Italy's electronic music heritage by reviving Francesco Messina's work. The festival celebrated the connection between childhood and avant-garde music, promoting a sense of exploration and creativity.