Belgian Festival Cancels Munich Philharmonic Concert Over Israeli Conductor Amid International Criticism

The Flanders Festival Ghent has cancelled a planned concert by the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, citing concerns over the unclear political stance of its Israeli chief conductor, Lahav Shani, particularly regarding his relationship to the Israeli government amid the Gaza conflict. Festival organizers emphasized their decision was driven by a desire to avoid collaboration with partners not distancing themselves from what they termed the 'genocidal regime in Tel Aviv,' aiming to maintain the festival's atmosphere of connection and reconciliation. This cancellation has been met with strong condemnation from German and Israeli officials, who labeled the move as antisemitic and discriminatory, arguing it unfairly targets an individual based on nationality and origin rather than artistic merit. Lahav Shani and the Munich Philharmonic have both condemned the boycott, stressing Shani's history of advocating peace and reconciliation, including his involvement with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which promotes dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians. The Rotterdam Philharmonic echoed support for Shani, underscoring that music should unite rather than divide and rejecting judgments of artists based on nationality or political associations. The controversy highlights tensions surrounding cultural events amid political conflicts, raising debates about the intersection of art, politics, and identity.