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The Flanders Festival Ghent announced earlier this week that it was scrapping the German orchestra’s concert, citing Shani’s refusal to distance himself from Israel’s government amid the war in Gaza.
By Shula Rosen
Belgium’s Prime Minister Bart De Wever traveled to Germany this weekend to show support for Israeli conductor Lahav Shani after a Belgian festival canceled a performance by the Munich Philharmonic over political concerns.
The Flanders Festival Ghent announced earlier this week that it was scrapping the German orchestra’s concert, citing Shani’s refusal to distance himself from Israel’s government amid the war in Gaza.
The decision ignited criticism both within Belgium and abroad, with many accusing the organizers of antisemitism.
De Wever, who had already condemned the move, attended a Munich Philharmonic concert in Essen on Saturday to stand by the incoming conductor.
Just attended a wonderful performance in Essen by the Münchner Philharmoniker conducted by Lahav Shani.
Immediately after the horrific terrorist attack by Hamas, I expressed my fear that the Israeli government would allow itself to be drawn into an endless violent conflict in… pic.twitter.com/UqbAvJtzaV
— Bart De Wever (@Bart_DeWever) September 13, 2025
Posting a photo of himself with Shani, he wrote on X: “There will never, ever be any room for racism and antisemitism in this country.” He added that he wanted to deliver that message personally and recognize Shani’s achievements in music.
Shani, 36, currently serves as music director of the Israel Philharmonic and is set to become chief conductor of the Munich Philharmonic in the 2026/27 season.
His expected appointment has become a flashpoint in Belgium after the Ghent festival insisted he make a political statement as a condition for the orchestra’s appearance.
The cancellation has drawn rebukes from cultural and political leaders in Europe. Germany’s government welcomed the news that the Berlin Philharmonic stepped in with a last-minute invitation for Shani to perform in the German capital next week.
Officials in Berlin described the offer as “a wonderful sign” of solidarity.
Supporters of Shani say the Belgian festival’s decision undermines artistic freedom by tying a conductor’s professional opportunities to political declarations.
Critics argue that demanding such statements unfairly singles out Israeli artists at a time of heightened tensions.
The controversy has placed Shani, one of the most prominent Israeli musicians of his generation, at the center of a broader debate over how European cultural institutions should navigate political pressure linked to the Israel-Hamas war.
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