Bozar’s 2026–2027 music season features around 180 concerts. In recent weeks, one concert in particular has sparked controversy in the press: that of the Münchner Philharmoniker conducted by Lahav Shani, with Dutch violinist Janine Jansen as soloist, scheduled for November. The concert is part of a European tour: the orchestra performs in Vienna the day before and in Amsterdam the day after.

The Münchner Philharmoniker brings together more than 120 musicians from over 20 countries and has no ties whatsoever to any Israeli organisation, let alone any connection between this concert and the policies of the Israeli government.

Christophe Slagmuylder, Artistic Director at Bozar:
“Bozar unequivocally condemns the war in Gaza and the genocide. And stands for peaceful coexistence. Bozar regrets that this concert has become a source of polarisation. The debate around a cultural boycott is legitimate, but Lahav Shani is here not as a representative of Israel, but as the conductor of a German orchestra. We do not believe it is right to equate him, as an individual artist, with the propaganda or political positions of a government: he has spoken out against the war, against violence. This nuance was decisive for us in maintaining the concert. In a world increasingly inclined toward polarisation, we genuinely believe that culture must encourage dialogue and build bridges. Because where else can that still happen? Bozar wants to offer a platform to such polyphony, as long as the voices expressed do not advocate violence or violate human rights. We consider this one of our key missions for the 2026–2027 season, fittingly under the slogan ‘Reassembling’.”