Joint statement by the Stichting Chanukah Concert & The Concertgebouw
Stichting Chanukah Concert and Concertgebouw reach compromise
The Concertgebouw and the Stichting Chanukah Concert (Chanukah Concert Foundation) reached a compromise today regarding the Chanukah concert on December 14. A stalemate had arisen between the two organizations concerning the appearance of cantor Shai Abramson. Over the past week, this situation led to increasing tensions and division in Amsterdam. Because both organizations agree that this harmful situation must end, they have jointly sought and reached a solution. The announced preliminary relief proceedings have therefore been dropped.
In recent weeks, there has been much discussion about the performance of cantor Shai Abramson at the Chanukah concert in the Concertgebouw. The Concertgebouw and the organizing Stichting Chanukah Concert were diametrically opposed, as a result of which the Concertgebouw terminated its contract with the Foundation. The Concertgebouw remains of the opinion that – in the current polarized climate – the cantor, who is also Chief Cantor of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), cannot perform at the Concertgebouw. This is due to his symbolic role in the IDF, which is involved in a war that divides our society. The Stichting Chanukah Concert continues to insist on his appearance, because of his vocal talent and his role as a religious leader, which have deep spiritual significance for many people.
Both parties emphasize that the fact that the cantor is Israeli or Jewish played no role whatsoever in the Concertgebouw's decision-making process.
A stalemate ensued, with going to court seeming to be the only option. We all agree that such a step would not be good for anyone: not for the Concertgebouw, not for the Foundation, and certainly not for the city of Amsterdam. Over the past week, we have seen how the situation has led to increasing tension. We agree that this harmful development must stop.
Based on this sense of responsibility, we resumed a dialogue with each other, in the presence of the Central Jewish Council, the representative of organized Jewish Netherlands. Read their statement (in Dutch) here.
We then jointly decided that on Sunday afternoon, December 14, instead of the originally planned afternoon concert, the Foundation will organize a Chanukah concert that both parties can agree on. A concert for everyone, young and old, in which the focus is on being together around this festival of light, without Shai Abramson, conducted by Jules van Hessen.
In the evening, two private concerts will take place, exclusively for invited guests. Shai Abramson will perform as cantor at these concerts. The Concertgebouw will donate the proceeds from this event to a charity that promotes social cohesion in the city.
The Concertgebouw and the Chanukah Concert Foundation realize that the controversy surrounding this concert will not simply disappear. We hope that all sides will calm down and show understanding and support for this compromise. We choose to respect each other's points of view in these times of extreme polarization and to look to the future together.
We want to continue the tradition of Chanukah concerts in the Concertgebouw – one of the annual highlights for Jewish Amsterdam.