Support for Israel Draws Criticism: Emma Shapplin's Turkey Concerts Cancelled
While war raged in Israel, the concerts she gave and her remarks toward Israeli fans drew criticism, leading to the cancellation of French soprano Emma Shapplin's Turkey program. The artist was scheduled to perform in Ankara and Istanbul.
The concerts planned for French soprano Emma Shapplin in Ankara and Istanbul were cancelled. The decision reportedly came after the artist's performances in Israel and her remarks to Israeli listeners resurfaced on social media.
She was set to perform in Ankara and Istanbul
Known for blending classical music, opera, and contemporary music, Emma Shapplin was scheduled to perform on September 25 at CSO Ada Ankara and on September 29 at the Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) in Istanbul.
The concerts were announced as part of the Culture Path Festival. However, following rising social‑media backlash over Shapplin's inclusion in the program, the concerts were cancelled.
Her concerts in Israel drew criticism
At the heart of the debate are Shapplin's visits to Israel after October 7, 2023, and the concerts she gave there. The French artist had joined the ranks of international performers who took the stage in Israel following the outbreak of the war.
Shapplin's multiple trips to Israel and his remarks about the bond he shares with Israeli listeners resurfaced in the lead‑up to his concerts in Turkey.
In an interview with Israeli media, the artist said that performing during the war was important to him, and that he had noticed the pain experienced by the people he spoke to after the concert.
I am not here for politics and war.
In the same interview, Shapplin argued that his decision to take the stage was not a political stance, emphasizing that the bond he builds with the audience is paramount.
The French soprano also said that there is a strong and mutual bond between her and Israeli listeners; these remarks drew criticism on social media amid the ongoing war in Gaza and heavy civilian casualties.
Some users in Turkey criticized Shapplin for performing while the war continued in Israel, calling for the cancellation of his events in Istanbul and Ankara.
Concerts Removed from the Schedule
Following the reactions, it was reported that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism had removed Shapplin's concerts in Ankara and Istanbul from the schedule. As a result, the two Turkish concerts planned for September 25 and 29 were also cancelled.
The decision also brought to the fore recent debates surrounding concerts of foreign artists who are believed to support Israel or have faced public backlash in that direction in Turkey.
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