Israel Philharmonic Drops Work by Nazi Composer from Program

The tone poem “Don Juan” by Richard Strauss was omitted from an Israel Philharmonic Orchestra concert here last night just before its scheduled performance. The decision to drop the piece was made by the management after receipt of note from the Ministry of Education which, while it emphasized that the orchestra was free to choose and play any program it desired, suggested that the composition not be presented.

Earlier, the press and youth groups had called for dropping of works by Nazi composers and last evening concert goers were handed leaflets urging a boycott of Nazi composers. The management issued a statement asserting that it was important for musical education that works by Straus and Richard Wagner be performed, but that it was bowing to a “negative public opinion.”