Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks & Simon Rattle Release Statement in Support of Lahav Shani
By Francisco SalazarLahav Shani continues to receive support from the classical music industry following the Festival Flanders in Ghent’s decision to cancel his concert.
This time, the Koln Philharmonic and Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks have released statements.
The Bayerischen Rundfunks said, “The cancellation of the Munich Philharmonic and their chief conductor, Lahav Shani in Ghent fills us with worry and confusion. Given the dramatic situation in the Middle East, attitude and prudence are needed – not a mental test for artists. Many voices in the press and the music scene have already pointed out the danger: the fatal mixture of culture and politics, an illiberal understanding of culture, which cracks up before protests rather than withstanding debates. We share this concern deeply.”
“The BRSO unites musicians from over 20 nations, cultures, and religions. We are united by the belief that music builds bridges. Excluding an artist like Lahav Shani, who stands for exactly these values, contradicts everything we stand for. As our Chief Conductor Sir Simon Rattle emphasized: During times of violence and division, it is music’s duty to advocate for peace, integration and understanding. “
Rattle added, “Given the horrors unfolding in Gaza, and the horrors of October 2023, it’s not surprising that concert organizers are also in difficult situations.
coming. At the same time, it is clear to me that in this case a serious mistake was made. Lahav Shani has always presented himself as a passionate advocate of peace and integration. Therefore, this decision should be revised immediately. “
The Koln Philharmonic also noted, “Lahav Shani has always spoken out for understanding and peace, now to discharge him because he is also chief conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, this attitude terrifies us deeply. Music and playing music together can build bridges; for that, Lahav Shani is a good example, to accuse him of the opposite is absolutely absurd.”
On Sept. 10, the Flanders Festival Ghent announced it was canceling the concert by the Munich Philharmonic because Lahav Shani, who was conducting, is the Israel Philharmonic’s music director. The cancellation elicited outrage from numerous organizations, including the Berlin Philharmonic and Berlin State Opera. The Musikfest Berlin even invited the orchestra and conductor Lahav Shani to perform on Sept. 15, 2025. Belgium’s Prime Minister also apologized via social media and went to Shani’s concert in Essen.
Read Related Stories
- Flanders Festival Ghent Cancels Munich Philharmonic’s Concert Due to Lahav Shani’s Position with the Israel Philharmonic
- Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra Speaks Out Regarding Lahav Shani’s Canceled Concert in Ghent
- Théâtre des Champs-Élysées Releases Statement in Support of Lahav Shani
- Belgium Prime Minister Attends Lahav Shani’s Essen Concert & Condemns Canceled Ghent Concert
Categories
News
