When people think of the symphony, images of refinement, talent, and cultural prestige come to mind. Symphony halls are symbols of tradition, elegance, and high art. It’s difficult to imagine these institutions as places where abuse could fester. However, recent revelations have exposed the dark side of several prestigious symphonies worldwide, showing that even in the revered world of classical music, abuse and exploitation are alarmingly present.
Recent Scandals in the Symphony World
The New York Philharmonic
The New York Philharmonic, one of America’s most renowned orchestras, recently dismissed principal oboist Liang Wang and associate principal trumpet Matthew Muckey following allegations of sexual misconduct, The New York Times reported yesterday. An independent investigation uncovered reports from eleven women accusing Wang of misconduct, including coercive behavior and inappropriate relationships. Three women brought similar accusations against Muckey. This investigation also revealed disturbing incidents of grooming and other forms of abuse. Both Wang and Muckey are suing the Philharmonic and their union, denying the allegations. Nevertheless, the organization has stood firm in its decision, vowing to improve its internal policies to create a safer environment for its musicians.
Cleveland Orchestra
In 2018, the Cleveland Orchestra took similar actions, firing concertmaster William Preucil and principal trombonist Massimo La Rosa after credible allegations of sexual misconduct. The investigation, which involved more than 70 interviews, found that Preucil and La Rosa engaged in inappropriate behavior with several women, including students and colleagues. The investigation also exposed a culture of silence in the orchestra’s leadership, which had been aware of complaints against Preucil for years but had taken minimal action. The Cleveland Orchestra has since committed to rebuilding trust and ensuring greater accountability.
Boston Symphony Orchestra
The Boston Symphony Orchestra faced its own controversy when allegations surfaced against conductor Charles Dutoit. In 2018, an independent investigation found multiple credible allegations of sexual harassment involving Dutoit, dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. Dutoit’s accusers included current and former members of the orchestra who described a pattern of harassment during rehearsals and performances. Following these revelations, the orchestra severed ties with Dutoit and rescinded an honor previously awarded to him. This case led the Boston Symphony to reevaluate its policies on harassment and improve its response procedures.
Utah Valley Youth Symphony
The Utah Valley Youth Symphony also made headlines when former director Brent E. Taylor faced charges of sexual misconduct involving teenage boys. In 2019, Taylor was ordered to stand trial after allegations surfaced that he had sexually abused a young musician over the course of several years. This case highlighted how abuse of power can manifest even within youth symphony organizations and raised questions about safeguarding young musicians in similar organizations.
Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra
More recently, the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra faced scandal when former concertmaster Odin Rathnam was charged with multiple counts related to sexual abuse. This high-profile case, which is still ongoing, has brought renewed attention to the need for accountability within symphonies and prompted organizations to examine how they respond to allegations of misconduct.
Why Does the Symphony Environment Enable Abuse?
Symphony orchestras are known for their rigid hierarchy, where conductors and senior musicians hold significant power over younger, less-established performers. This dynamic, combined with intense competition for limited positions, can create an environment where abuse is difficult to report. Musicians, particularly younger ones, may fear career repercussions if they speak out, as their reputation and livelihood often depend on the recommendations of these powerful figures. Additionally, the insular nature of the classical music world fosters a culture of silence, where victims are often discouraged from sharing their experiences to avoid bringing “dishonor” to the institution.
What Are Symphonies Doing to Address the Problem?
In light of these high-profile cases, several symphony organizations have begun implementing measures to prevent future misconduct. Some institutions have introduced mandatory training on harassment and abuse, created anonymous reporting channels, and strengthened policies prohibiting relationships between senior and junior staff. The New York Philharmonic, for example, has committed to an independent review of its organizational culture and a restructuring of its internal policies to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all members. Similarly, the Cleveland Orchestra and Boston Symphony have vowed to take complaints seriously and improve their response procedures.
While these steps are encouraging, critics argue that they often lack transparency and may not address the root causes of abuse. Many believe that symphonies need to adopt more extensive reforms, such as establishing independent oversight committees and enforcing stricter consequences for violators.
Moving Forward: A Call for Transparency and Safety
These recent revelations underscore the need for systemic change within the classical music world. Survivors and advocates are calling for independent oversight, transparent investigations, and cultural shifts within symphony organizations. True reform will require a collective effort from symphony leadership, musicians, and patrons, all of whom must work together to ensure that these prestigious institutions are safe environments that reflect the values they aim to uphold.