Berlin Phil Invites Munich Phil to Its Musikfest

The recent decision by the Flanders Festival Ghent to cancel a performance by the Munich Philharmonic has drawn the ire of numerous high profile musicians and politicians, including Belgium Prime Minister Bart de Wever who calls the move “reckless and irresponsible, to say the least.” He echoes Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter’s response (“utterly incomprehensible”).

Meanwhile the Berlin Philharmonic, expressing “dismay” at the move, has invited the orchestra and its Israeli Music Director Designate Lahav Shani to perform the same concert at its own festival at the Koncerthause on September 15, on very short notice.

“Lahav Shani has been closely associated with our orchestra since his debut in September 2020,” states the Berlin Phil. “During this time, we have come to know him as a thoughtful artist and a person who – especially with regard to the Middle East conflict – has repeatedly spoken out in favour of peace, dialogue and reconciliation.   

“Excluding an artist from a festival because of his nationality is wrong and contradicts our understanding of music and culture. We are convinced that, especially in these times, music should build bridges rather than deepen divisions.”

Organized by the Berliner Festspiele and the Berliner Philharmoniker Foundation, the program features the Beethoven Violin Concerto in D and the Prelude to Act One and “Isoldens Liebestod” from Tristan und Isolde.

Pictured: Lahav Shani