The Dutch orchestra, where Lahav Shani is chief conductor until next year, has issueda very strong statement against the Flanders Festival ban on his performance with the Munich Philharmonic.
Here’s the unequivocal Rotterdam text:
Rob Streevelaar, general and artistic director of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra:
We have taken note of the cancellation of the concert in Ghent, under pressure of political and social circumstances. We are following these developments closely, in consultation with Lahav and our partners. Our starting point is that music should connect, not divide.
At the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra we will never judge individual artists based on their nationality or origin or associate without reason with the politics of their country. We choose to collaborate with musicians based on artistic quality and shared values: humanity, connectedness and the belief that music can build a bridge between people.
Our chief conductor Lahav Shani spoke in the press earlier for peace and humanity. He admitted that he does not represent a political point of view, but wants to contribute to connection and hope with art. He did that among other things in his association with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, founded by Palestinian scientist Edward Said and Israeli pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim”
Lahav Shani:
‘Every life lost is one too many. Music can show that cooperation, dialogue and even reconciliation are possible. I believe that peace will come, however difficult it seems.
‘We cherish the hope that enemies can come together and become friends in order to communicate at the highest human possible level. It is possible to make music together, feel and think together at the highest level, even if we differ strongly about politics and other matters in life.’
The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra continues to commit to a world in which music brings people together, where every note builds bridges, even when division and conflict reign.
UPDATE: The Cologne Philharmonic has also weighed in:
Lahav Shani is the portrait artist of the season at the Cologne Philharmonic. »Lahav Shani has always spoken out for understanding and peace, now to discharge him because he is also chief conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, this attitude terrifies us deeply«, says Ewa Bogusz-Moore, director of the Cologne Philharmonic. »Music and playing music together can build bridges, for that Lahav Shani is a good example, to accuse him of the opposite is absolutely absurd. «
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