Protest During Concert Was Misplaced

FRIDAY morning’s concert by the Jerusalem Quartet at the Queen’s Hall was surely one of the more controversial events at this year’s Edinburgh Festival. The Palestinian protesters outside suggested there might be trouble. Like many others at the concert, I’m sympathetic to the plight of the Palestinian people, but by the third interruption in the performance I was getting pretty hacked- off with the protest. I’m sure they antagonised quite a lot of people.

I think they got their marketing wrong. A nicely produced leaflet outlining cogently their views on the Israeli musicians would have been far more effective with the typical Queen’s Hall audience than heckling during the music.

So, what about the Jerusalem Quartet? They are consummate musicians and real professionals who managed to continue an excellent performance despite regular interruptions.

After the interval, they were able to get into their stride and the last two movements of the Brahms quartet were truly outstanding. The standing ovation recognised their perseverance and musicianship.

Maybe they need to do more on their PR. They could take a cue from Daniel Barenboim, who has loaned them Jacqueline du Pre’s cello, and instigate more musical bridge-building.

I’m sure, for most people, the presence of the Jerusalem Quartet and the disruptive protests made not an iota of difference to their views on the Palestinian question.

Hugh Walker, Tighvonie, 123 Rose Street, Dunfermline.

Originally published by Newsquest Media Group.

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