Pianist Fazıl Say faces 'Palestine' obstacle for Swiss concert

In a statement on his social media account regarding the cancellation of his concerts, pianist Fazıl Say said, "I have been removed from the program for our four planned concerts in Switzerland, which were to be organized by the concert organization unit of the Migros company."

"I STAND FOR PEACE AND HUMANITY"

Stating that he would not be able to take the stage, Say shared the following note:

"During the Middle East crisis, I posted a total of three tweets and a video of a speech I gave. I stand for peace. All my statements were for peace. And I have always been in favor of the good, reconciliation, and the joint creation of a beautiful future."
I have been visiting Israel for 24 years. Like all of us, I was saddened by the terrorist incidents. I have had an approach that tries to understand both sides of this painful issue. I also wrote that I find Netanyahu's war policy, which has no future, to be very wrong and brutal. And finally, I found Erdoğan's approach to this issue to be 'sensible and peaceful' toward both sides, and I supported it."

"EVERY INDIVIDUAL SHOULD HAVE AN OPINION"

While I find it strange that all of this has caused discomfort and even led to the cancellation of concerts, there is nothing I can do from my perspective. We are in an environment where we are not listened to and our voices are not wanted to be heard. I used to believe that freedom of expression was trusted in Europe and that darkness and intolerance would not be experienced. My confidence has been quite shaken regarding this disturbing incident. I would like to state this. Every individual should have an opinion. And more importantly, these opinions should not be reflected in our professional lives. I stand for peace and humanity. I am someone who makes my music to be a source of hope for people. Respectfully."

Fazıl Say's social media post is as follows:

Unfortunately
To stand for peace
Is a difficult craft..
A strange development regarding the Palestine-Israel issue from this perspective...
My concerts cancelled in the middle of Europe pic.twitter.com/ZmdjtcpOdX

— Fazıl Say (@fazilsaymusic) October 20, 2023

News Source: 12punto