Overview

• Florian Wiegand praised the Münchner Philharmoniker and designated chief conductor Lahav Shani for placing music at the center despite heavy pressure in recent weeks.
• The Flanders Festival Ghent canceled the orchestra’s appearance because Shani also leads the Israel Philharmonic and organizers said his stance toward Israel’s government was unclear.
• Backlash to the cancellation produced a high-profile invitation to Musikfest Berlin and a meeting between Shani and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
• Wiegand said he does not expect Shani to become an unwilling symbolic figure and highlighted the conductor’s energy and focus throughout the tour.
• Shani remains scheduled to officially assume the chief conductor post after the autumn 2026 European tour, as Wiegand settles into the intendant role he began this month.