A Belgian classical music festival has cancelled a concert by the Munich Philharmonic, citing concerns about the political stance of its Israeli conductor, Lahav Shani. The decision by Flanders Festival Ghent has drawn accusations of antisemitism from German officials.
The festival announced on its website that it had axed the performance scheduled for 18 September, saying it was unable to obtain sufficient clarity about Shani's attitude to what it called the 'genocidal regime' of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The festival stated that the cancellation was in line with calls from the local cultural sector to avoid collaboration with partners who have not unequivocally distanced themselves from the Israeli government.
German Culture and Media Commissioner Wolfram Weimer described the move as 'naked antisemitism' and 'a disgrace for Europe'. Florian Wiegand, artistic director of the Munich Philharmonic, said the orchestra was 'stunned' by the decision. Belgium's foreign minister, Maxime Prévot, also distanced himself from the cancellation, calling it 'excessive'.
Shani, who is set to become the Munich Philharmonic's youngest-ever chief conductor next year, has not commented. In previous interviews, he expressed pride in representing Israeli culture but said he saw himself as an ambassador of the state, not its government. He also criticised Netanyahu's judicial reforms and said Israel had not made enough effort to resolve the conflict with Palestine.
