Captivating songs in three languages. An exceptional venue. And an international audience from all walks of life. When Maria de la Paz and her talented musicians stepped onto the stage of the Caux Palace theatre on 13 September, their performance left no-one indifferent.

Their songs, performed in front of more than 300 people, including representatives from the humanitarian sector, local cultural associations and refugees, spoke of hope, passion, shared values and humanity, transcending differences in our backgrounds and origins. The concert was the highlight of an evening, organized by Caux Initiatives of Change, that included speeches from UNHCR and the Swiss association PAIRES, on the concept of hospitality for change and the support and inclusion of migrants (read more about our collaboration).

Turning points

When you see Maria de la Paz's performance on stage and look at her boundless energy and charisma, it is hard to believe that being a musician didn't come naturally to her. Born in Argentina as the youngest of 7 brothers and sisters, she left for Europe when she was twenty-two years old. At the time, she was still searching for herself, trying to find her place in life.  Switzerland became an anchor point in her travels. She started working as a street musician, but initially was even too shy to look at the people around her. One day a man stopped and said: "You sing very well...but we can't really hear you"!

It was one of the turning points in her life and Maria de la Paz is convinced that there were specific moments and encounters with people - some seemingly random, others more obvious - which have made a big impact on her as a person and as a musician:  "I sensed that life was sending me signals, indicating that there was a purpose I could fulfill. It gave me a direction to explore. When I sing, I see those appreciative looks and hear people saying 'Thank you,' and I respond with, 'No, thank YOU!' Finally I felt genuinely valuable in this world."

Looking for the spark

To this day, Maria de la Paz still likes to perform in a setting that allows her to be close to her audience, such as an unplugged concert or a festival, because she feels that the natural connection to the people around her is a deeply enriching experience. And it is this search to bring people together, to touch them through her music, that lies at the heart of her work as an artist today: "When I feel that I have something to give to people, my self-confidence settles in. I feel love, a feeling that gets stronger and stronger and this is where I find freedom. When you are on stage you have this need as an artist to feel that you have something to give. And if I feel that there could be an opening, a spark, a reflection, or just a feeling of well-being in the audience - I am very grateful!"

The spark was definitely there during her concert at the Caux Palace theatre where she captivated the audience with the poetic melodies and texts of the late artist Lhasa de Sela.

For Maria de la Paz, Lhasa's legacy endures through her songs that speak about life, about the other, about oneself and the human condition: "The show existed already but it was funny how it fit the occasion of the concert in Caux. We didn't change anything and I felt it was very coherent (with the theme of the evening). As the concert went along, I felt there was a logic in the reactions of the audience. This is beautiful because it makes you realize that we are not alone and there is so much to do."

And she concludes: "Humanity has always been like that, full of contradictions and contrast. But rather than succumbing to feelings of frustration and helplessness, I harness my creativity to confront these issues through my music. But I try not to empty myself too much by a feeling of rage and helplessness. And so I fill myself with what I can do."

Reconnecting the past to the future

At Initiatives of Change, the arts have always played an important role in connecting people and in creating bridges across our world's divides. Our concept of Hospitality for Change is not only about providing the best possible welcome and service at the Caux Palace, but also about recognising the power of artistic expression to promote understanding, reconciliation and positive social change and the message of Maria de la Paz’s concert fully aligned with these values. We are therefore delighted that the Caux Palace theatre continues to serve this purpose and look forward to offering more inspiring events.

When you are on stage you have this need as an artist to feel that you have something to give. And if I feel that there could be an opening, a spark, a reflection, or just a feeling of well-being in the audience - I am very grateful!

Maria de la Paz

By Ulrike Ott Chanu

In a world filled with diverse cultures and languages, the journey of musician Tsvetana Petrushin, is an inspiring tale of how she discovered her purpose. Her remarkable story led her to the Caux Palace, where she found support, inspiration, and a sense of belonging which has transformed her life.

Early Years and Musical Passion

Tsvetana’s upbringing in Russia was marked by her deep connection to music. Growing up in a family with a strong musical background, she developed a keen ear for music and a passion for singing in various languages.

Tsvetana earnt a grant to study at a local conservatory. During that time, she could hear the notes she longed to sing, but her voice refused to comply, leaving her plagued by self-doubt, only exacerbated by a lack of support from family and teachers.

Upon leaving the conservatory she made three significant discoveries that would contribute to her transformation.

Firstly, she delved into yoga and simultaneously explored Mongolian Tibetan singing. These practices taught her how to connect with her inner self, sense the vibrations and energy within, and ultimately find the elusive notes she longed to sing. Her third discovery was jazz music, which gave her a well needed sense of freedom.

Her life took an unexpected turn when she met a friend online from Ukraine. Seizing the opportunity for adventure and personal growth, she embarked on a journey with him hitchhiking across Russia and Belarus to Ukraine, where they eventually got married. Though the marriage eventually ended, it marked a crucial chapter in her life. 

Journey to the Caux Palace

When war erupted in Ukraine, Tsvetana found her way to a small village near the Hungarian border, unable to return to Russia due to her investment in her life in Ukraine. She sought refuge in a theatre where she lived alongside 30 others whilst volunteering in the village. It was at this time that she learnt of a woman who regularly helped people travel to Switzerland so she took this opportunity to start her new life.  

A couple of weeks after arriving in Switzerland, Tsvetana was granted refugee status and she chose to settle in Montreux, a natural option for a music lover. This was a very difficult time for her, where she continued to be plagued with self doubt about her purpose in life and future. 

It was at one of those bad moments, in her search for harmony and balance, that Tsvetana found herself at the Caux Palace one summer's day. Having persuaded the person at the entrance to let her spend a short time on the terrace, she could not resist sitting down at the grand piano on her way back through the Main Hall. Thinking she was alone she sang one of her songs, but her music caught the ear of a guest at the conference being held that week in Caux by Hatch a community of innovators focused on activating creativity for a better world. This lady invited Tsvetana to stay for the conference.

The Caux Palace: A Place of Transformation

During the Hatch conference, attendees were asked 5 times the same question: Why are you here? For Tsvetana her realization was that she felt she had found a family in Caux: the non-judgmental, caring environment filled with people who encouraged her to be herself was something she had been yearning for.

These remarks resonated deeply with Ignacio Packer, Executive Director of Caux Initiatives of Change, also present at the meeting, and he invited Tsvetana to return to the Caux Palace on several occasions thereafter to share her music and story with others.

A Harmonious Future

The Caux Palace emerged as the backdrop for Tsvetana's personal and creative transformation. Here, she found a space where her voice was heard and her ideas were valued. The sense of support, faith, and belief in others at Caux Palace became instrumental in her journey. “It’s so strange that people are taught to believe in God but not to believe in themselves”, she concludes.

These moments in Caux helped her realize that to bring about change in society, one must start with individual change. This profound insight echoes the principles of Initiatives of Change that change starts with me and personal transformation is the foundation for global transformation

Tsvetana now envisions a path where she can combine music with psychology to help people find their own voices. Her belief is that true harmony can only be achieved when the soul is in tune with the voice. Her story reminds us that finding one's purpose and embracing personal change can be the catalyst for creating a better world.

It’s so strange that people are taught to believe in God but not to believe in themselves.

Tsvetana Petrushina