AMSTERDAM – The Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam has announced the cancellation of two performances by the Israeli music ensemble, Jerusalem Quartet. This decision comes amidst concerns over potential demonstrations and recent events surrounding protests in Amsterdam. The Concertgebouw cites a commitment to ensuring the safety of all involved, including employees, visitors, and musicians.
The scheduled concerts, featuring compositions by Felix Mendelssohn, Claude Debussy, and Israeli composer Paul Ben-Haim, were slated for Thursday and Saturday. Comprising three violinists and a cellist, the string quartet has faced disruptions in the past. In February of this year, a performance at the Diligentia theatre in The Hague was disrupted by pro-Palestinian activists who vocally protested and displayed Palestinian flags. Similar incidents occurred previously, including one at the Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ in Amsterdam.
Critics, particularly anti-Israel organisations, argue that the quartet’s performances serve to polish Israel’s reputation while diverting attention from the situation in the Palestinian territories. The Central Jewish Consultation (CJO) expressed astonishment and disappointment at the Concertgebouw’s decision, accusing them of succumbing to “cancel culture” and urging them to reconsider their stance.
Article: https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/1962229991/concertgebouw-schrapt-concerten-israelische-groep-om-demonstratie
