Philadephia’s Brussels concert is disrupted by Palestine protests

The first concert of Philadelphia’s Europe and Israel tour was targeted by demonstrators.

Two young women shouted ‘Free Palestine, Boycott Israel’ during the Brahms D minor concerto with soloist Hélène Grimaud.

Yannick led the orchestra off stage.

The concert resumed after a break of 25 minute.

The anti-Philadelphia campaign is largely home-grown.

Cellist John Koen posted:

Unfortunately more anti-Israeli protesters disrupted the Brahms Piano Concerto. Waiting to resume. #Update: back on stage, we started in the development section of the 1st movement, & the passion and beauty, as well as hope, of this great concerto were even more deeply felt by me, and I think likewise performed, fully revealing all the emotions, by @nezetseguin @helene.grimaud and @philorchmusicians

A post shared by John Koen (@cellokoen) on May 24, 2018 at 11:32am PDT

As the President would say: Sad.

Philadelphia Orchestra evacuated half-way thru the 1st movement of Brahms Piano Concerto No.1 due to a “Free Palestine” protest by 2 young ladies. Thankfully @nezetseguin, @HeleneGrimaud and the @philorch kept their cool, continued and all ended in a standing ovation. Such drama! pic.twitter.com/DF1RZlgxDy

— Philippe Cahill (@phildec1976) May 24, 2018

UPDATE: What Yannick said.