“The Voice Is Also a Weapon” – Philipp Mathmann in Conversation with SR kultur
In a compelling interview for SR kultur, Philipp Mathmann speaks about the many layers of his life and work as a singer, physician, activist, and father. The title of the interview – “The voice is also a weapon” – sets the tone from the outset: for Mathmann, the voice is far more than a musical instrument. It is a means of expression, identity, and social responsibility.
Philipp Mathmann’s path is anything but conventional. A classical soprano performing on international stages, he is also a medical doctor specialising in voice and speech medicine. Alongside his artistic and medical careers, he is deeply engaged in social and political issues, advocating for trans rights, inclusion, and access to education, including long-term projects in South Africa. These seemingly disparate roles form a coherent whole in his life – each informing and strengthening the others.
In conversation with journalist Gabi Szarvas, Mathmann reflects on several key themes:
- The voice as a political and personal force, extending far beyond the concert hall
- Identity and visibility, particularly in the context of queer and trans lived experience
- Responsibility in medicine and society, and how professional knowledge can serve broader communities
What is often perceived as a contradiction – being both an artist and a physician – emerges in the interview as a productive synergy. Mathmann describes how medical precision and empathy shape his approach to singing, while the sensitivity and openness of artistic work influence his medical practice.
The interview is, above all, a call to listen. It reminds us that voices matter – especially those that have historically been marginalised. Whether on stage, in the clinic, or in public discourse, Philipp Mathmann demonstrates how artistic expression and civic engagement can reinforce one another, creating space for dialogue, understanding, and change.
🎧 Listen to the full interview on SR kultur via the SR Mediathek and discover more about the ideas and experiences behind the voice.