Lahav Shani: Munich Philharmonic concert definitely cancelled, Ghent festival confirms

The board of directors of Flanders Festival Ghent made the final decision on Monday night to cancel a planned concert by the Munich Philharmonic led by Israeli conductor Lahav Shani, Belga has learned. The decision, announced last week, sparked widespread criticism both nationally and internationally.

Opponents, such as prime minister Bart De Wever, called the decision antisemitic, while supporters found the conductor's lack of condemnation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip problematic.

Belgian PM De Wever attends performance by Israeli conductor Lahav Shani in Germany

Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever attended a performance by the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra on Saturday in Essen, conducted by Israeli maestro Lahav Shani. Following the orchestra's removal from the Flanders Festival Ghent programme days earlier, the visit has sparked mixed reactions.

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According to the festival, the cancellation of Thursday's concert was not based on prejudice. "The decision was in no way based on Shani's origins or nationality, nor was his personal integrity questioned," the board of directors said.

The festival regrets the controversy but confirms that the concert will not take place. In future programming, it intends to "continue to focus on artistic connection and inclusion".

The cancellation was also motivated by the fear of protests from pro-Palestine groups. Christoph D’Haese of N-VA, a member of the board of directors, said he would resign if the cancellation was confirmed.

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