JBW Event in Focus: Arts in the Age of Boycotts

[Jewish Literary Foundation]

https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/

February 09, 2025

EVENT IN FOCUS:

ARTS IN THE AGE OF BOYCOTTS

In May 2024, one of the world’s most renowned concert halls, the Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, cancelled performances by the Jerusalem Quartet. The reason? Fear of protests, security concerns, and the general atmosphere in the city.

How did the world respond?

A petition to reinstate the Jerusalem String Quartet drew over 13,000 signatures from musicians worldwide.

“By cancelling these concerts, the management of the Concertgebouw placates a vocal minority who advocate for their cause through intimidation and credible threats of disorder and violence. […] Anything less than permitting the Jerusalem Quartet to continue with its planned performances — and to provide them and the audience of the Concertgebouw with protection and support — amounts to pure moral cowardice.”

Petition statement

The reinstated concert sold out, featuring quartets by Debussy and Paul Ben-Haim, and reviews that admired its ‘lyricism and vitality’.

WATCH THE FULL CONCERT (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AapGdk7J6rY&t=3s)

Pianist Danny Driver and harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani led the petition, drawing signatures from world-famous musicians including the conductors Simon Rattle and Semyon Bychkov, the pianist Martha Argerich and the violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter.

“It has everything to do with security. We were forced to crack the dilemma of security on the one hand and freedom on the other.”

Simon Reinink, general manager of the Concertgebouw

Following backlash, the concert hall agreed to let the Jerusalem Quartet perform - only two days after the initial cancellation. The statement put out by the concert hall claimed that tightened safety measures, adjusted visitor flows and a new start time made this possible.

Our opening night sees renowned pianist Danny Driver join Royal Philharmonic Society medal winner and cellist Gemma Rosefield for a stellar performance of works by Dmitri Shostakovich and Robert Kahn that directly speak to today’s climate of boycotts and censorship.

World-leading thinkers Lionel Shriver, Ed Vaizey, Danny Driver, and Mark Lawson will follow this with an enlightening conversation on protecting creativity in uncertain times.

Until then, enjoy the music:

Gemma Rosefield performs Mendelssohn Sonata in D, Op. 58 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlQV_asydOc)

Danny Driver performs Beethoven Violin Sonata No.5 in F, Op.25 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCubFZNkrd8)
BOOK TICKETS FOR OUR OPENING NIGHT EVENT (https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/events/arts-in-the-age-of-boycotts#:~:text=In%20May%202024%2C%20an%20Amsterdam,artistic%20freedom%20and%20cultural%20boycotts.)
https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/jewish-book-week

WHAT ELSE TO EXPECT ON OPENING NIGHT
Emma Barnett & Jeremy Weil: Jewish Britain in Colour (https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/events/emma-barnett-jeremy-weil-jewish-britain-in-colour)
All the Rage: Josh Cohen on the fundamental force of anger (https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/events/all-the-rage)

EXPLORE THE FULL PROGRAMME HERE (https://jewishliteraryfoundation.co.uk/jewish-book-week)
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