Conductor Carlos Kalmar
“Cleveland Institute of Music has launched an investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior by principal conductor Carlos Kalmar,” writes Joey Morona in Thursday’s (5/11) Cleveland.com. “The inquiry is still in its early stages, but there’s already been some fallout. This week, Anne Midgette, the former longtime classical music critic at the Washington Post, declined an honorary doctorate … and withdrew as keynote speaker at the commencement ceremony on May 20…. In late April, students were informed that Kalmar, also CIM’s director of orchestral studies, was the subject of a Title IX investigation. Title IX is a federal civil rights law prohibiting sex-based discrimination in schools or education programs that receive federal funding…. Kalmar is [also] the principal conductor for the Grant Park Music Festival in Chicago and previously served as music director of the Oregon Symphony…. In a statement to cleveland.com, Kalmar’s attorney James Wooley said his client ‘has never been accused of wrongdoing in his impeccable 40-plus year career,’ adding Kalmar ‘has been improperly identified in connection with a possible Title IX matter…. He has done nothing wrong. We have nothing more to say about the matter.’… In a statement, Cleveland Institute of Music spokesperson Kathleen Drohan said, ‘As with any situation like this one, CIM will conduct a thorough and fair investigation. We have retained an outside, independent party to conduct this investigation. To protect the process and privacy of all involved, we do not plan to comment any further.’ ”
