Four people have been detained by French police after protesters set off flares during a concert by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris on Thursday night.
Clashes broke out in the auditorium during one of three disruptions to the performance by conductor Lahav Shani and pianist Sir Andras Schiff.
The concert, featuring works by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, faced criticism from a French union representing the performing arts, with pro-Palestinian activists advocating for a boycott.
Culture Minister Rachida Dati defended artistic freedom as a core French value, while Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez condemned the serious disturbances in the hall.
Ticket-holders attempted to disrupt the concert three times, including twice with the use of a flare, causing concerns as the hall filled with smoke, according to a statement from the Philharmonie de Paris.
Video footage captured moments of chaos as a man waved a flare in the audience and subsequently confronted by fellow concertgoers, prompting clashes.
The venue commented that troublemakers were swiftly removed and the concert resumed, though with some interruptions, ultimately concluding peacefully. Legal actions are reportedly in progress against the individuals involved.
The incident elicited stern reactions from various government representatives, with Nuñez commending police response.
However, some political figures, like Manon Aubry of France Unbowed, chose not to denounce the protests, suggesting that the musicians represented a state accused of war crimes.
Prior to the concert, activists had urged for its cancellation, with the CGT-Spectacle union stating a need for the Philharmonie to acknowledge serious allegations leveled against Israeli leadership.
Dati expressed that there was no justification for a cultural boycott, insisting that there is no excuse for antisemitism.
Israeli conductor Lahav Shani has previously faced criticism and controversy regarding his stance on Israeli government actions.
The Philharmonie de Paris condemned the disruptions, asserting that it is unacceptable to threaten anyone's safety within a public venue.
