In the latest sign of international turmoil disrupting the world of classical music, a Belgian music festival has withdrawn its invitation for the Munich Philharmonic to play there because the orchestra is being led by Lahav Shani, the music director of the Israeli Philharmonic. “We are unable to provide sufficient clarity about his attitude to the genocidal regime in Tel Aviv,” festival organizers said in a statement.
In announcing its decision, the Flanders Festival Ghent said it had viewed the planned Sept. 18 performance by the Munich Philharmonic as “one of the artistic highlights of the festival.” And it noted that Shani — who is taking over as music director of the Munich orchestra next year — has spoken out for peace between Israel and the Palestinians.
But it asserted that his “role as the chief conductor of the Israel Philharmonic” raised questions about his views on the continuing conflict in Gaza.
“Given the inhumanity of the current situation, which is also leading to emotional reactions in our own society, we believe it is undesirable to allow this concert to go ahead,” the organizers said. “We have chosen to maintain the serenity of our festival and safeguard the concert experience for our visitors and musicians.”
Shani declined a request for comment. “Lahav Shani is currently focused on the remainder of the Munich Philharmonic’s European tour and is not available for interviews at this time,” his management company said in a statement.
Shani is scheduled to lead three concerts with the Israeli Philharmonic at Carnegie Hall in New York next month.
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