Philadelphia Orchestra’s Concerts In Israel Are A Big Hit, But Controversy Is Still Causing Problems

The Philadelphians’ performances in Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem have gotten unusually warm receptions (standing ovations and rhythmic clapping) from Israeli audiences. And yet, reports David Patrick Stearns, several musician visits to community organizations, including to a center for disadvantaged children and to the leading music center serving Israeli Palestinians, have been cancelled because those organizations didn’t want to get caught up in the controversy and media attention surrounding the tour.