The Residentie Orkest , like so many others, is deeply affected by the situation in Gaza. The lack of political decisiveness by the international community to stop the violence and provide humanitarian aid to affected people is distressing. This situation is causing massive human suffering: loss of life, devastation of communities and destruction of culture.

A number of cultural organizations are therefore opting for a cultural boycott of the Israeli state and Israeli institutions and companies, and are calling on industry associations and other cultural organizations to join them. Such a boycott is a powerful signal, seen and felt in a country culturally linked to Europe. At the same time, severing relations also represents a form of exclusion, limiting opportunities for dialogue.

We, too, are being asked to speak out. Until now, our position has always been that we do not want to get involved in geopolitical issues, do not want to contribute to further polarization of society and want to connect with our music as always. Although we still think restraint is a good principle, in this case we do not want to remain silent.

As the Residentie Orkest , we believe in the power of music to connect, to engage in dialogue and to reflect on current events. We have therefore chosen not to join the boycott and thus not to exclude any groups in advance. Not only now, but in all cases we make well-considered decisions whether or not to collaborate with artists.

Within the sector the diversity is enormous: some fellow institutions do join the boycott or participate in The Red Line, some institutions refrain from commenting at all or speak out against such actions. Various voices are also heard within our organisation . As an organisation , we cannot and will not decide on behalf of our staff which sound should be the strongest.

This variety of voices is, in our view, precisely the essence of the cultural sector: driven by artistic freedom and polyphony. In it, by definition, we reflect on the world around us from different perspectives. That free space should always be there - indeed, it defines what the cultural sector is.

We call on everyone to contribute to dialogue and connection, and call on the international community and the Dutch government to do all they can to stop the violence. In the meantime, the Residentie Orkest continues to do what it does best: connect through music.

The management of the Residentie Orkest

Sven Arne Tepl, Annelie Bulsing, Miranda van Drie