Statement RPhO - Lahav Shani Festival van Vlaanderen

Rob Streevelaar, General and Artistic Director of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra:

“We have taken note of the cancellation of the concert in Ghent, under pressure from political and social circumstances. We are closely following these developments, in consultation with Lahav and our partners. Our guiding principle is always that music should connect and not divide.

At the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, we will never judge individual artists on the basis of their nationality or background, nor associate them without reason with the politics of their country. We deliberately choose to collaborate with musicians on the basis of artistic quality and shared values: humanity, connectedness, and the conviction that music can build bridges between people.

Our Chief Conductor Lahav Shani has previously spoken out in the press in favor of peace and humanity. He has emphasized that he does not represent a political position, but wishes to contribute to unity and hope through art. He does this by way of various iniatives, including his involvement with the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, founded by Palestinian scholar Edward Said and Israeli pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim.”

Lahav Shani:

"Every life lost is one too many. Music can show that cooperation, dialogue, and even reconciliation are possible. We cherish the hope that enemies can come together and become friends, to communicate on the highest possible human level. It is possible to make music together, to feel and think together at the highest level, even if we strongly disagree on political or other matters in life.

I, like many Israelis, have not abandoned my human values. The images and testimonies coming out of Gaza are deeply distressing, and it is impossible to remain indifferent to the suffering of civilians amidst the catastrophe this war has brought upon them. Everything must be done to end the war as soon as possible and begin the long process of healing and rebuilding for both societies.

The Israel Philharmonic is a unique example of the freedom artists should have to perform, as from its founding it has been governed by its musicians. Under their guidance, the advancement of classical music has always gone hand in hand with efforts to connect people within Israel and between Israel and the world.

I believe that peace will come, however difficult that may seem now."

Closing

The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra remains committed to a world in which music brings people together, where every note builds bridges, especially when division and conflict dominate.