#konzerthaus

BERLIN, Germany — Berlin’s famed Konzerthaus stepped in at short notice to host Israeli conductor Lahav Shani after his invitation to a Belgian festival was rescinded because of the Gaza conflict.

Shani was due to conduct the Munich Philharmonic, his new orchestra, in Ghent next week. However, the Flanders Festival said that his current job as Chief Conductor of the Israel Philharmonic had given them pause.

“Lahav Shani has spoken out in favor of peace and reconciliation several times in the past,” the festival said in a statement. “But in the light of his role as the chief conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, we are unable to provide sufficient clarity about his attitude to the genocidal regime in Tel Aviv.”

Israel has vehemently rejected accusations that it is committing genocide in Gaza, asserting that its military operation is directed at eliminating the Hamas terror group and rescuing hostages kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, massacre.

The Belgian festival’s decision drew condemnation from German politicians. Germany maintains it has a particular obligation to Israel because of its responsibility for the Holocaust, a position that has come under growing strain due to growing European alarm at the Gaza conflict.

“The rescinding of the invitation to the Munich Philharmonic and Lahav Shani is unacceptable,” wrote German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. “Jews living here must never be exploited for the purpose of criticizing the Israeli government.”

People gather in front of the Konzerthaus (Berlin Concert Hall) illuminated as part of the yearly Festival of Lights in Berlin, Germany, on September 3, 2021. (John MACDOUGALL / AFP)

Shani will now conduct the orchestra in a performance of Beethoven’s Concerto for Violin and Orchestra and extracts from Richard Wagner’s opera Tristan and Isolde at the Konzerthaus on Monday.

Picture: Z834

Place: Hamburg, Germany