Four Detained Following Flare Disruptions at Israeli Orchestra Concert in Paris

Concert Disruptions and Detentions in ParisFour individuals were detained by French police following multiple disruptions during a performance by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris on Thursday night. The concert, featuring conductor Lahav Shani and pianist Sir Andras Schiff, experienced three separate interruptions.

Incident DetailsDuring one interruption, flares were ignited within the Pierre Boulez auditorium, leading to confrontations between individuals involved in the disruptions and audience members. The Philharmonie de Paris reported three attempts at disruption, with two involving flares. Accounts from concertgoers indicated that smoke filled the hall at one point. Video footage depicted an individual with a flare moving through the seating area before being confronted. The venue stated that the disruptors were removed, allowing the concert to resume and conclude. The Philharmonie de Paris announced it would pursue legal action.

Official and Political ReactionsThe incidents drew responses from French government officials. Culture Minister Rachida Dati affirmed the value of freedom of creativity in France. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez condemned the "serious disturbances in the hall" and commended the rapid police response.
In contrast, Manon Aubry, a European Parliament member representing France Unbowed, declined to condemn the disruptions on French television. She stated that the orchestra's artists "represent the Israeli state [which] commits war crimes."
Prior to the concert, pro-Palestinian activists had called for its cancellation. The CGT-Spectacle union, representing performing arts workers, urged the Philharmonie de Paris to "remind its audience of the extremely serious accusations levelled against [Israel's] leaders," viewing the concert as "an attempt at normalisation by the State of Israel."