BERLIN (AP) - An Israeli orchestra is performing the music of
Richard Wagner at the annual Bayreuth opera festival, breaking the
unofficial rule against playing the music of Adolf Hitler's
favorite composer.
Organizers say the concert Tuesday by the Israel Chamber
Orchestra is the first time an Israeli orchestra has played Wagner
in Germany.
The American Gathering of Holocaust Survivors and their
Descendants is criticizing the concert as a "disgraceful
abandonment of solidarity with those who suffered unspeakable
horrors by the purveyors of Wagner's banner."
But Orchestra Chief Executive Eran Hershkovitz says the
performance shows the world the Nazis failed in their attempt to
exterminate the Jews.
He says: "It is a once-in a lifetime concert, a victory
concert."
