Israeli Conductor Lahav Shani Condemns ‘Regrettable’ Concert Cancellation

Israeli conductor Lahav Shani has spoken publicly for the first time after the cancellation of a planned performance in Belgium, calling the decision “regrettable” and the result of political pressure.

The 36-year-old, who is due to take over as chief conductor of the Munich Philharmonic, had been scheduled to lead the orchestra at the Flanders Festival in Ghent on 18 September. But the festival withdrew its invitation, citing Shani’s role as music director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and what it described as a lack of clarity over his stance on the Israeli government.

In a statement released by the Munich Philharmonic, Shani said:

“According to media reports, the festival’s management claimed that ‘music should be a source of connection and reconciliation.’ Yet they yielded to political pressure, demanding that I issue a political statement — despite my longstanding commitment to peace and reconciliation — which renders their words meaningless.”

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Diplomatic Fallout

Shani said he and both of his orchestras had been “unwillingly drawn into an unforeseen public storm” that quickly escalated into a diplomatic incident.

The cancellation has provoked widespread criticism in Germany, with the festival accused of antisemitic tendencies. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever distanced himself from the decision, saying it had damaged the country’s reputation.

In his remarks, Shani also referred to the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023, which killed more than 1,000 people. “No Israeli can remain untouched by these events,” he wrote, noting that Israeli society was still mourning the consequences of the assault and awaiting the return of 48 hostages still held in Gaza.

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‘We Must End the War Quickly’

Despite the trauma, Shani said he had not abandoned his humanistic values.

“The images and reports from Gaza are deeply distressing. No one can remain indifferent to the catastrophe this war has brought upon Gaza’s civilian population. We must do everything possible to end the war quickly and begin the long process of healing and rebuilding for both societies.”

The conductor thanked those who had shown support, highlighting Belgian Prime Minister De Wever and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who welcomed him in Berlin after the cancellation.

Shani also stressed the role of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, pointing to its tradition under former leaders including Leonard Bernstein and Zubin Mehta. The ensemble, he said, was “an outstanding example of the artistic freedom that every artist should enjoy,” combining the promotion of classical music with efforts to strengthen ties within Israeli society and build bridges with the wider world.