European leaders have criticized a Belgian classical music festival for canceling a performance by an Israeli conductor over concerns about his stance on the Gaza conflict. The Flanders Festival Ghent organizers announced the cancellation of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra’s upcoming show due to worries surrounding Lahav Shani, the orchestra’s future chief conductor.
Shani, who hails from Tel Aviv and directs the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, was scheduled to conduct the performance in Ghent. Despite his previous statements advocating for peace and reconciliation, festival organizers expressed unease about his views on the Tel Aviv government.
In a statement, the organizers explained that they couldn’t confirm Shani’s position regarding the Tel Aviv regime due to his role with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. They emphasized their decision not to collaborate with partners who hadn’t distanced themselves from that government.
The festival, known for its three-week celebration of classical music attracting 50,000 attendees annually, considered the Munich Philharmonic’s performance a significant highlight before its cancellation. Shani did not respond to CBC’s request for comment, but the Israeli Philharmonic criticized the move, stating that nationality should not be a basis for professional bans in the arts.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever condemned the decision, stating that it damaged the country’s reputation and was irresponsible. Matthias Diependaele, the Flanders regional minister-president, also criticized the cancellation, emphasizing the importance of using art to unite rather than divide.
The decision faced further backlash from German officials, with Markus Blume calling it shameful and anti-cultural, and Wolfram Weimer labeling it as antisemitic. A petition by European musicians urging the reversal of the cancellation garnered over 11,000 signatures.
The festival’s artistic director defended the decision to the New York Times, citing the inability to ascertain Shani’s beliefs on the conflict and emphasizing that the choice was not driven by antisemitism. As the death toll in Gaza rises and the Israel-Hamas conflict continues, artists have taken stands against those they perceive as complicit in the attacks on Palestinians.
Numerous pledges and petitions within the arts world have emerged in response to the conflict, with professionals vowing against working with entities associated with the conflict. Artists have previously boycotted events and refused to perform in Israel due to alleged ties to the ongoing situation.