Calls Grow in Belgium to Cancel Munich Philharmonic Concert Led by Lahav Shani
Calls are growing in Belgium to cancel a November concert by the Munich Philharmonic led by Israeli conductor Lahav Shani, following a pro-Palestinian foundation report targeting his past performances.
Calls are mounting in Belgium to cancel an upcoming November concert by the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Israeli conductor Lahav Shani, due to his participation in past events supporting Israel and performing Israeli national music.
A report published by the Hind Rajab Foundation claims that Shani contributed to shaping the Israeli national narrative by failing to speak out about Palestinian suffering in Gaza. The foundation, established by activists Dyab Abou Jahjah and Karim Hassoun, highlights a concert titled "Salute to Israel" held on October 22, 2023, broadcast live from an empty hall.
Controversial Repertoire and Past Cancellations
The concert opened with the national anthem "Hatikvah", followed by "Fanfare for Israel" and Beethoven's Third Symphony, known as the "Eroica". According to the report, photographs of hostages were placed in the front rows. The report further criticizes Shani's involvement in the January 2025 premiere of "Hatikvah Fanfare", a work incorporating war motifs and quotes from Israeli patriotic songs.
About a year ago, a Munich Philharmonic concert at the Flanders Festival Ghent was canceled because Shani serves as the music director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. Festival organizers claimed they could not secure clarity regarding his position, while Shani stated that organizers demanded he condemn the war in Gaza, a demand he refused.
Pressure on Brussels Concert Hall
Despite mounting pressure and the resignation of three board members from the BOZAR concert hall in Brussels last May, management has thus far refused to cancel the performance scheduled for November 24.
"Lahav Shani has never expressed support for the Netanyahu regime," stated Christophe Slagmuylder, general and artistic director of BOZAR, amid ongoing calls from artists to scrap the event.
