“A Philadelphia Orchestra internal investigation into sexual misconduct claims against conductor Charles Dutoit during his time with the orchestra has found them to be credible, while an investigation commissioned by the Montreal Symphony Orchestra into allegations of sexual harassment by Dutoit during his time there as principal conductor has ended after being unable to confirm the claims,” writes Peter Dobrin in Thursday’s (11/8) Philadelphia Inquirer. “Dutoit, 82, was accused of various forms of sexual misconduct in Philadelphia and elsewhere … last December and January. The Swiss-born conductor with deep Philadelphia ties responded at the time by saying that the allegations ‘have absolutely no basis in truth.’ After sexual misconduct complaints about Dutoit surfaced in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia Orchestra launched an investigation, and on Thursday an orchestra spokesperson said that ‘our internal investigation found reports to be credible.’… [Philadelphia Orchestra spokesperson] Ashley Berke said the orchestra would not be commenting further on the matter, but added: ‘As per our previous statements, the Philadelphia Orchestra Association does not tolerate harassment of any kind and is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and respectful work environment.’… The Philadelphia Orchestra in December severed its relationship with Dutoit and revoked his ‘conductor laureate’ title.”
Posted November 9, 2018
