Israeli conductor denounces Gaza war during BBC Proms performance in London

Israeli conductor Ilan Volkov used his appearance at the BBC Proms in London to speak about the genocide in Gaza. Leading the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra at the Royal Albert Hall, he described the displacement of families and the collapse of hospitals and schools.

From the audience, some members reacted negatively to his political comments. Volkov then firmly stated, “You can go if you don't want politics. Politics is a part of life.”

Volkov told the audience, “Innocent Palestinians are being killed in thousands, displaced again and again, without hospitals and schools, not knowing when the next meal will come.” He later stated he would no longer perform in Israel. The BBC cut its broadcast before his comments.