Flanders Festival Ghent has cancelled a concert by the Munich Philharmonic, scheduled for September 18, 2025, due to conductor Lahav Shani‘s affiliation with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. The Belgian festival cited Shani’s lack of clear stance toward the Israeli government, which organizers described as a “genocidal regime,” as the primary reason for the cancellation.
The decision aligns with calls from Ghent’s Minister of Culture, city council representatives, and members of the local cultural sector who have advocated for such measures. In their official statement, festival organizers emphasized their commitment to creating a musical environment characterized by respect, safety, and reconciliation, noting that the “inhumanity of the current situation” surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict influenced their decision.
The festival stands firm that music must embody respect and reconciliation, incompatible with silence amid humanitarian crisis.
German authorities and Munich Philharmonic representatives quickly condemned the cancellation. Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter expressed strong support for the orchestra and Shani, describing them as embodiments of openness, diversity, and dialogue. The Philharmonic defended Shani as a promoter of humanism and mutual understanding, arguing that the cancellation effectively punishes artists based on ethnic origin or professional affiliation. The German government has explicitly labeled this cancellation as blatant antisemitism, further intensifying the diplomatic tensions.
The controversy reflects broader tensions in Belgium, where activist groups and some political authorities have pressured cultural institutions to take positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot called the cancellation “excessive,” warning against conflating Israeli government actions with Jewish identity. The cancellation could significantly impact Shani’s licensing opportunities, potentially affecting a crucial revenue stream that many conductors rely on beyond traditional performances. The situation highlights the importance of performance rights organizations which would typically help protect artists’ works and ensure fair compensation regardless of political controversies.
In justifying their decision, festival organizers referenced human rights organizations including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and B’tselem, which have characterized Israel’s actions regarding genocide. The use of such charged terminology has contributed to the polarization surrounding the event.
The Flanders Festival will continue its broader program as scheduled despite this high-profile cancellation. Florian Wiegand, Executive Director of the Munich Philharmonic, expressed profound shock at the festival’s decision. This incident joins similar controversies across Europe and the United States, where Israeli-affiliated artists have faced cancellations and protests, highlighting the increasing intersection between cultural programming and geopolitical tensions.
