“Charles Dutoit and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra have severed their relationship,” writes Susan Elliott in Wednesday’s (1/10) Musical America (subscription required). “The conductor, 81 and recently accused by multiple women of sexual abuse several decades ago, has resigned as artistic director and principal conductor of the orchestra, effective immediately. The announcement arrives ‘following an emergency Board meeting and further dialogue with Charles Dutoit,’ ” according to a statement from the orchestra. “The RPO states, ‘The decision has been made following allegations of inappropriate conduct by Mr. Dutoit, which were first reported on 21 December 2017. Whilst Mr. Dutoit continues to seek legal counsel to defend himself, the protracted uncertainty and media reporting makes Mr. Dutoit’s position with the Orchestra untenable.’ RPO announced last June that the conductor would exit his post in 2019; that timetable now has been foreshortened. Dutoit’s engagements will be filled by guest conductors.”
Posted January 10, 2018
