In a joint statement, LPO chief executive Timothy Walker and chairman Martin Hohmann said players’ views were a private matter and the orchestra had no political or religious affiliation.
But they added: “The orchestra would never restrict the right of its players to express themselves freely, however, such expression has to be independent of the LPO itself and must not be done in any way that associates them with the LPO.
“The company has no wish to end the careers of four talented musicians, but the board’s decision in this matter will send a strong and clear message that such actions will not be tolerated by the LPO. For the LPO, music and politics do not mix.”
The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra’s Proms September 1 performance was repeatedly disrupted by anti-Israel protesters inside the Royal Albert Hall.
