Photo courtesy of Warp Records.
Brian Eno has denied the Batsheva dance company permission to continue using his music for a series of performances in Italy. Eno made the decision upon discovering the Israeli embassy would sponsor the TorinoDanza festival at the Teatro Regio in Turin.According to the Guardian, Eno was not made aware that his music was being used in the first place and subsequently wrote to the dance company last month upon hearing the news. The company used Eno's Neroli album."I was not aware of this use until last week, and, though in one way I'm flattered that you chose my music for your work, I'm afraid it creates a serious conflict for me," Eno wrote. "It's often said by opponents of BDS that art shouldn't be used as a political weapon. However, since the Israeli government has made it quite clear that it uses art in exactly that way – to promote 'Brand Israel' and to draw attention away from the occupation of Palestinian land – I consider that my decision to deny permission is a way of taking this particular weapon out of their hands."In a statement, Batsheva said they have "fully respected Mr. Eno's wish" and replaced the music "with great sadness," adding, "We believe that this kind of action is useless and has no contribution towards solving the conflict, ending the occupation or bringing peace to our region."This decision should not come as a surprise to those following Eno's political beliefs. He is a supporter of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign which targets Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. He is also one of 1,200 artists who signed the Artists' Pledge for Palestine which denies funding and contacts with Israel's government.