Bozar Retains Israeli Conductor's Concert Despite Board Resignations

The Brussels cultural center Bozar has decided to maintain a scheduled concert by Israeli conductor Lahav Shani, despite the resignation of three board members in protest. Mohamed Ouachen, Els Silvrants-Barclay, and Jos Geysels stepped down from the twelve-member board, citing Shani’s role as musical director of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. They argued that his association with an institution viewed as a cultural ambassador for Israel, amidst ongoing conflicts described by some as genocide or apartheid, carried unacceptable political implications. The controversy mirrors a previous incident in Ghent where a similar performance was canceled following political pressure. Bozar’s board president, Isabelle Mazzara, emphasized that artistic programming falls under the exclusive competence of the CEO and artistic director, a principle unanimously reaffirmed by the board prior to the resignations. While acknowledging the respectful debate, the institution upheld its commitment to artistic autonomy, refusing to let political considerations dictate programming choices. The resignations highlight the growing tension between cultural institutions and geopolitical conflicts in Europe.