Rattle, Mutter, Argerich and Bychkov shout out against cultural bullying
NewsHere’s a new statement from musical leaders, in condemnation of the Amsterdam Concertgebouw:
We, the undersigned, wish to express our strongest indignation at the decision to cancel the Jerusalem String Quartet’s two performances at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. The Hall’s management has yielded to the threats of the demonstrators for fear that the performances might be disrupted and potentially endanger the public, staff, and artists. The rationale behind this is fundamentally flawed. The responsibility for public safety lies with the police and security services and is not then remit of a cultural venue.
We are fortunate to live in a world where freedom of speech and expression exist; where plurality of views are not only tolerated but encouraged. These freedoms are not selective and, must be applied to all and respected by everyone in totality.
It is not the Jerusalem String Quartet’s performances that put our freedom in danger, but those who threaten public order unless their demands are met. Surrendering to those threats is not only an act of weakness, but a clear signal that we are not willing or prepared to defend our democratic values and our way of life. This is not acceptable and is highly dangerous for it undermines the very foundations of our society.
Is this how our security and protection will be achieved? By appeasing the bullies? By not wanting to be disturbed? By hoping that this will blow over and we can get on with building bridges to a better world?
The freedoms that so many lost their lives for are not guaranteed forever unless we protect them and continue to fight for them.
SEMYON BYCHKOV, SIMON RATTLE, MARTHA ARGERICH, ANNE-SOPHIE MUTTER, MISCHA MAISKY, LAHAV SHANI
So well thought and said!
I wholeheartedly subscribe to this petition.
Robert von Bahr, BIS Records, Sweden
“We are fortunate to live in a world where freedom of speech and expression exist; where plurality of views are not only tolerated but encouraged.”
Where is this world? We live in cancel culture.
The woke offer a ride in their handbasket.
Bravi!
I agree completely that claimed “security” is disgusting as an alleged reason to cancel the Quartet – or anyone else. But I object to both the staggering (an understatement) hypocrisy, and the manipulative wording. Palestinian events (musical and otherwise) are frequently cancelled for alleged “security” reasons, and there has never been a whiff of outrage. For decades, Palestinian musicians have been routinely blocked from performing abroad, and indeed even within Palestine, by the Israeli state, and there has never been an iota of protest from the same people furious about the JQ cancellation. Adding to the hypocrisy, the way this has been spun transfers the onus from the hall to explain itself, onto voices for Palestinian liberation, implicitly blaming them for something they haven’t done.
Which Palestinian musicians? Names? Dates? What was the venue of their concerts? Program?
Please…
Here is just one example, taken from a link on Tom Suarez’s website. I’m sure he can provide you with hundreds of other examples….. if any one knows, he does. https://mondoweiss.net/2012/07/ramallah-orchestras-performance-of-eroica-in-jerusalem-is-cancelled-due-to-israeli-interference/
Oh, please, if you need to ask that, you know nothing — zero — of life under Israeli military rule. I used to live in Palestine. How many hours do you have for even a cursory reply?
What rule deserves the territory, where 70 percent of population support hamas, means to destroy , to kill, to demolish Israel from the river to the see?
Learn please to appreciate lives and freedom at both sides.
To mention JQ, part of them a constant participants in the West Eastern Divan and have many Palestinian friends and for sure not support the policy of current Israeli Government.
Perhaps you put effect before cause?
Since Jonathan (thank you, J), has posted an article of mine, I’ll add this one, nine years out of date but nonetheless give the idea.
By the way I have even had my own talks here in the UK cancelled due to “security”.
https://mondoweiss.net/2015/08/israel-vs-the-violin/
a literary event was nearly cancelled in Manchester due to political sensitivites and supposed security concerns but was thankfully restored due to pressure :https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/apr/04/manchester-theatre-restores-cancelled-palestinian-event-after-artists-protest
Cultural events in Jlm have been shut down on allegation that they were funded by the PA.
Precisely! I don’t recall Norman Lebrecht encouraging musicians to sign a letter in response to WOMAD barring the Palestinian band 47Soul from performing earlier this year at the WOMADelaide festival due to ‘doubts at being unable to present a ‘suitably safe environment’ for the artists and audiences at the festival due to community protests taking place in Australia’.
Absolute nonsense.
I wholeheartedly agree with the statement by Semyon Bychkov et al.
Those at the Concertgebouw whom this is directed at should apologise and reverse their stand asap.
Only Russian artists should be boycott!
Cowardly concertgebouw.
Well, apparently the ‘undersigned’ did not know the ineptitude of the Dutch “police and security services”; they’re only slightly better than the British bobbies.
Good headline
“then remit” = “the remit”
Bravo! How the Concertgebouw can justify that music is a threat? Shame on them!