The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées has released a statement confirming Lahav Shani’s upcoming concert following the Festival of Flanders’ decision to cancel the conductor’s concert in Ghent on Sept. 18.

The French theater said, “Following the cancellation by the Flanders Festival of the Munich Philharmonic’s scheduled concert in Belgium, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and its General Director, Baptiste Charroing, confirm that the concert with the orchestra in Paris on Tuesday, September 16, will go ahead as planned. The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and its Director express their support for Lahav Shani and for all the members of the German orchestra.”

The concert will include music by Beethoven, Schubert, and Wagner.

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 festival said, “The decision has been made on the basis of our deepest conviction that music should be a source of connection and reconciliation. First and foremost, Flanders Festival Ghent aspires to be a place where artists, audiences and staff can experience music in a context of respect and safety. Lahav Shani has spoken out in favor of peace and reconciliation several times in the past, but in the light of his role as the chief conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, we are unable to provide sufficient clarity about his attitude to the genocidal regime in Tel Aviv. In line with the call from the Minister of Culture, the city council of Ghent and the cultural sector in Ghent, we have chosen to refrain from collaboration with partners who have not distanced themselves unequivocally from that regime.”

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