Belgian festival nixes performance of German orchestra due to Israeli conductor

FRANKFURT, Germany — A prominent German orchestra’s performance at a Belgian festival has been canceled because of its Israeli conductor, sparking a furious reaction from Berlin.

Belgium’s foreign minister distances himself from the decision by Flanders Festival Ghent, where the Munich Philharmonic was to perform on September 18, led by its future chief conductor, Israel’s Lahav Shani.

Shani, who officially takes over as conductor of the Munich orchestra for the 2026-27 season, is currently music director of the Israel Philharmonic.

As a result, festival organizers said on Wednesday they were “unable to provide sufficient clarity about his attitude” toward the government, whose ongoing war against the Hamas terror group in Gaza has triggered international uproar.

“We have chosen to refrain from collaboration with partners who have not distanced themselves unequivocally from that regime,” the organizers say in a statement, while also noting Shani had “spoken out in favour of peace and reconciliation several times in the past.”

Organizers add that “the current situation” was leading to “emotional reactions,” and they wanted to “maintain the serenity” of the event, according to the statement.

German Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer criticizes the move as a “disgrace for Europe.”

“Under the guise of supposed criticism of Israel, a cultural boycott is being carried out here,” he says in a statement.

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot says the cancellation seemed “excessive.”

“We must not confuse the Jewish community and Israelis with Netanyahu’s policies,” he tells local radio RTBF, referring to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra says in response: “The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra expresses its profound regret and firmly condemns the decision made by the Flanders Festival Ghent. In the world of music and art, there is simply no place for withdrawing an invitation based on one’s place of origin. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Munich Philharmonic for their steadfast support of Lahav Shani, and we send Lahav a warm embrace of solidarity and encouragement.”

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.