Update - Statement The Concertgebouw regarding Chanukah concert

Statement regarding the Chanukah Concert (6 november 2025)

The decision by Het Concertgebouw to end its agreement with the Stichting Chanukah Concert has understandably prompted many reactions and strong emotions. We were faced with a dilemma in which any choice would inevitably lead to incomprehension, anger, or sadness. This has been reflected in the responses we have received. For this reason, we feel compelled to further explain our decision and the considerations behind it.

Regarding IDF Chief Cantor Shai Abramson

We have noted that there is confusion surrounding the role of IDF Chief Cantor Shai Abramson. Our decision was in no way influenced by the fact that Mr. Abramson is Jewish, Israeli, or has a standard affiliation with the IDF—an affiliation shared by nearly all Israeli citizens. Our concern lies solely with his active role as Chief Cantor of the IDF. In this capacity, Mr. Abramson plays a prominent role within the Israeli military and represents the IDF at official events.

For Het Concertgebouw, the decisive factor is the IDF’s active involvement in a controversial war, and Mr. Abramson’s visible representation of that institution. We wish to remain distant from this controversy, which is unrelated to music. It is the music that must remain at the heart of our programming.

The Mission of Het Concertgebouw

Our guiding principle is not to take sides, but to uphold the mission of Het Concertgebouw: to connect people through music. In this spirit, our primary aim is for the Chanukah concert—featuring a different cantor—to proceed undisturbed. The bond with the Jewish community in Amsterdam is of great importance to us.

We deeply regret that our decision has caused pain and misunderstanding. Finally, we wish to emphasize that Jewish and Israeli musicians are, and will continue to be, an essential part of Het Concertgebouw’s programming. We remain committed to finding a solution that honours all those involved.

Statement regarding the Chanukah Concert (2 november 2025)

The annual Chanukah concert and the connection with the Jewish community are very important to The Concertgebouw. Nevertheless, The Concertgebouw has had to make the difficult decision to terminate the agreement with the Chanukah Concert Foundation for December 14. This decision was made because it was not possible to reach an agreement on an alternative to the performance by the IDF Chief Cantor. His presence is at odds with The Concertgebouw's mission to connect people through music.

The annual Chanukah concert and the connection with the Jewish community are very important to The Concertgebouw. Nevertheless, The Concertgebouw has had to make the difficult decision to end the agreement with the Chanukah Concert Foundation for December 14. This decision was made because it was not possible to reach an agreement on an alternative to the performance by the IDF Chief Cantor. His presence is at odds with The Concertgebouw's mission to connect people through music.

The Chanukah Concert Foundation had programmed IDF Chief Cantor Shai Abramson for the Chanukah concerts they organized on December 14. As Chief Cantor, Abramson plays an important role in the IDF (Israeli army) and represents the IDF at official occasions. Abramson actively presents himself in this role. For The Concertgebouw, it is crucial that the IDF is actively involved in a controversial war and that Abramson is a visible representative of it.

This summer, The Concertgebouw started discussions with the foundation with the aim of allowing the Chanukah concert to go ahead. In doing so, The Concertgebouw asked the foundation in several meetings to program a different singer. However, the Chanukah Concert Foundation insisted on Abramson's performance. Unfortunately, no other solution was found. The Concertgebouw therefore felt compelled to end the agreement with the foundation.

The Concertgebouw understands the foundation's position and that this issue is extremely sensitive for the foundation. The Concertgebouw therefore remains open to a different programming of the concert by the foundation. In a time of increasing anti-Semitism, we find it important to emphasize that The Concertgebouw will always remain a place where the Jewish community is welcome.

Director Simon Reinink: "Making this decision was extremely difficult. Only in very exceptional cases do we make an exception to our important principle of artistic freedom. To our great regret, such an exception is now occurring. The intended performance by the chief cantor of the IDF is at odds with our mission: connecting people through music."