LONDON – Leading names in the arts in Britain have criticised the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s suspension of four members who opposed a London concert by Israeli musicians.
In a letter to the Daily Telegraph, film maker Mike Leigh, actress Miriam Margolyes and 115 others said they were dismayed at the suspension of the musicians.
“One does not have to share the musicians’ support for the campaign for boycotting Israeli institutions to feel grave concern about the bigger issue at stake for artists and others. There is a link being created here between personal conscience and employment which we must all resist, the letter said.
The suspension came after the four used the LPO name in support of a boycott of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra’s performance at the proms.
This all became an issue when we started to receive emails and letters from supporters, a lot of whom are Jewish, and felt that the players were taking an anti-Jewish position. Some said they weren’t going to come to the concerts or give us any money, said LPO chief executive Timothy Walker.
Whatever the players’ views are, we don’t mind so long as it doesn’t affect the company.”
– (Reuters)