Flare Fiasco: Protests Disrupt Paris Concert of Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra

Sat Nov 08 2025 03:59:54 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A concert by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris faced interruptions from protesters, leading to the detention of four individuals. The event highlighted tensions surrounding cultural activities amidst political conflicts.

During a performance by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris, protests erupted as individuals set off flares, resulting in the detention of four people. The disturbances drew mixed reactions from officials, emphasizing the ongoing cultural and political tensions surrounding art performances related to Israel. Culture Minister Rachida Dati affirmed the importance of artistic freedom, while Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez condemned the actions as unacceptable. The incident raises questions about the intersection of culture and politics, particularly in a city like Paris, renowned for its artistic heritage.

Four people have been detained by French police after protesters set off flares during a concert by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris on Thursday night.

Clashes broke out in the auditorium during one of three disruptions to the performance led by conductor Lahav Shani and pianist Sir Andras Schiff.

The concert, featuring a program of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, had already faced criticism from a French union for the performing arts, and pro-Palestinian activists had called for a boycott.

However, Culture Minister Rachida Dati strongly defended freedom of creativity as a French value, while Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that nothing could excuse the serious disturbances in the hall.

Ticket-holders disrupted the concert three times, including twice with flares, causing the Philharmonie de Paris to later report that the auditorium was filled with smoke.

Video footage showed one protester holding a flare while confronting spectators, leading to clashes.

The concert, which had to be interrupted, ultimately resumed and concluded peacefully as troublemakers were removed, with the venue announcing plans to take legal action.

The incidents provoked swift condemnation from government figures. Nuñez praised police for their rapid response and condemned the actions.

Nevertheless, Manon Aubry, a European Parliament member for the radical left France Unbowed, declined to condemn the disruption on French TV, asserting that the orchestra's musicians represent Israel, linked to accusations of war crimes.

Prior to the concert, there had been calls from pro-Palestinian activists for the event's cancellation. The CGT-Spectacle union did not advocate for cancellation but highlighted serious accusations against Israeli leaders, viewing the concert as normalization by the state.

Rachida Dati emphasized that there was no justification for calling for a cultural boycott and denounced any form of antisemitism.

Conductor Lahav Shani recently faced controversy when a festival organizer in Belgium canceled his performance, citing unclear attitudes towards the Israeli government, drawing criticism from both Belgian and German authorities.

Denouncing Thursday night's disruption, the Philharmonie de Paris insisted that regardless of opinions, threatening the safety of attendees, staff, and performers is wholly unacceptable. The venue concluded by condemning the introduction of violence into concert spaces as an extremely serious concern.