Flanders Festival Ghent has decided to cancel the concert by the Munich Philharmonic on 18 September 2025. The orchestra was due to perform that day in Ghent with its future chief conductor, Lahav Shani. It was expected to be one of the artistic highlights of the festival. 

The decision has been made on the basis of our deepest conviction that music should be a source of connection and reconciliation. First and foremost, Flanders Festival Ghent aspires to be a place where artists, audiences and staff can experience music in a context of respect and safety. 

Lahav Shani has spoken out in favour of peace and reconciliation several times in the past, but in the light of his role as the chief conductor of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, we are unable to provide sufficient clarity about his attitude to the genocidal regime in Tel Aviv. In line with the call from the Minister of Culture, the city council of Ghent and the cultural sector in Ghent, we have chosen to refrain from collaboration with partners who have not distanced themselves unequivocally from that regime. 

Given the inhumanity of the current situation, which is also leading to emotional reactions in our own society, we believe it is undesirable to allow this concert to go ahead. We have chosen to maintain the serenity of our festival and safeguard the concert experience for our visitors and musicians.   

The rest of the Flanders Festival Ghent programme, which runs from 12 September until 2 October, will proceed as planned. Flanders Festival Ghent remains committed to the universal power of music.  

Tickets purchased for this concert will be reimbursed in full. Ticket holders are currently being contacted personally.