The London Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) has suspended four of
its musicians for up to nine months after they signed a letter
calling on the BBC to cancel a Proms concert by the Israel
Philharmonic Orchestra.
Cellist Sue Sutherley and violinists Tom Eisner, Nancy Elan and
Sarah Streatfeild were among 24 musicians who signed a letter that
appeared in The Independent newspaper two days before the
concert. The four players were identified next to their names as
being members of the LPO.
The letter referred to the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra as
'perhaps the prime asset' in a campaign through which 'denials of
human rights and violations of international law are hidden behind
a cultural smokescreen'. It also said: 'Israel's policy towards the
Palestinians fits the UN definition of apartheid.'
In a joint statement, the LPO's chief executive, Timothy Walker,
and its chairman, Martin Höhmann, said: 'The political views of LPO
players are a private matter for players. The LPO has no political
or religious affiliations and strongly believes in the power of
music to bring peace and harmony to the world. The orchestra would
never restrict the right of its players to express themselves
freely; however, such expression has to be independent of the LPO
itself and must not be done in any way that associates them with
the LPO.'
They added: 'The company has no wish to end the careers of four
talented musicians but the board's decision in this matter will
send a strong and clear message that such actions will not be
tolerated by the LPO.'
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