London Philharmonic Suspends Musicians for anti-Israel Remarks
Posted on 19. Sep, 2011 by Dr Ashraf Ezzat in Hot Topics
"According to The Guardian, musicians sanctioned after they signed a letter condemning the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra as an instrument of Israeli propaganda."
the guardian
A report in UK daily The Guardian stated that the London Philharmonic Orchestra has suspended four of its musicians for nine months for adopting its name when they called for the cancellation of an Israeli orchestra’s concert at the Royal Albert Hall.
According to the Guardian, the orchestra suspended cellist Sue Sutherley, as well as violinists Tom Eisner, Nancy Elan and Sarah Streatfeild until June 2012, after they signed a letter as members of the LPO condemning the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra as an instrument of Israeli propaganda.
The musicians’ statement claimed that “denials of human rights and violations of international law are hidden behind a cultural smokescreen. The IPO is perhaps Israel’s prime asset in this campaign”, and that Israel’s policy toward the Palestinians “fits the UN definition of apartheid.”
The Guardian’s report states that both Orchestra chief executive Tim Walker, as well as chairman Martin Hohmann released a statement regarding the suspensions, which were meant to send a “strong and clear message that their actions will not be tolerated … the orchestra would never restrict the right of its players to express themselves freely, however such expression has to be independent of the LPO itself.”
The statement also said that the Orchestra has no desire to “end the careers” of the musicians, but that “for the LPO, music and politics to not mix.””
The move comes after protestors interrupted a performance by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra on September 1 during an annual BBC Proms concert series.
Several demonstrators in the venue shouted as Zubin Mehta stood to conduct Bruch’s Violin Concerto, while other audience members booed in response to the protest.
Sarah Colborne, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which organised protests against the concert, said: "Would the London Philharmonic Orchestra have punished musicians speaking out against apartheid South Africa, when a similar call for boycott was supported by artists, performers and sports people internationally?
"It is staggeringly bad judgment for the LPO to be seen to be attacking musicians who are simply voicing support for human rights and defending the civil right to call for a boycott of institutions which lend strategic support to Israel's occupation.
"If the LPO really wishes not to appear to be taking sides, and supporting an occupying nation against an occupied people, it must end the ridiculous suspension of these four musicians immediately."
For more article by Dr. Ashraf Ezzat visit his website
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8 Responses to “London Philharmonic Suspends Musicians for anti-Israel Remarks”
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haraf jubin
20. Sep, 2011
do you really think that the LPO and the BBC are any different…they are both english…that is to say …both hipocritical government mouthpieces.
John
20. Sep, 2011
This is a disgusting developement. Walker and Hohmann should resign or reinstate the 4 victims immediately! Does this illustrate the coersive power of Israel ? As a canadian, I can state unequivocally that this would not have happened here. What is happening within UK politics ???
Anthony Lawson
20. Sep, 2011
“for the LPO, music and politics to not mix.”
Rubbish. If you are alive, you are affected by politics.
The LPO needs new managemen, managers that do not cave in to Israel's request to punish those who criticise its appalling behaviour towards the Palestinians
john petrino
20. Sep, 2011
Type your comment here… it is time for the world to get rid of international zionism
Rotorman
20. Sep, 2011
I think people need to understand that zionist are rapacious and unrelenting. They will imposes themselves and their horrendous ways on you and if you utter a squeak, you will be cut off at the knees.
Here we have members of a British institution recoiling at having to associate with appalling people and their livelihoods are now in jeopardy.
Why can't the zionists and their agents of influence in my country leave us alone?
Viol
21. Sep, 2011
It it worth clarifying that none of the four LPO musicians had anything to do with the disruptions in the hall. The news reports are unclear about this (very important) point.
Floyd G
27. Sep, 2011
Known vocal anti semites this group and got a deserved suspension.
Hypocrites are so out of touch its farcical.
Tomas
27. Sep, 2011
So a few hard out lefties got suspended?