Brussels' Walden Festival has dropped Israeli double bassist Avishai Cohen from its programme because he performed in Moscow, organisers announced on Thursday.
The event takes place on July 13 and 14 in the Parc Léopold, and the jazzman singer and composer, was the headliner on the first day, with his group 'Banda Iroko'.
However, the double bassist gave a concert on 15 June at the Moscow Jazz Festival, an event supported by the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation and the Presidential Fund, Walden Festival organisers explained in a press release.
That decision by the artist has not pleased the organisers, who have cancelled their headliner. "We cannot defend this choice of Avishai Cohen and therefore have no other option but to cancel the concert scheduled for the Walden Festival 2024," said festival intendant Joost Fonteyne.
His replacement is already known, in the person of Tutu Puoane, who will present his new album 'Wrapped in Rhythm' with his band, and Bert Joris as guest star.
"With Tutu Puoane, one of today's most charismatic voices, we've found a great closing act for 13 July," said the event managers.
