“The chair of the board of directors for the Montreal Symphony Orchestra is expressing his sympathy to those who have spoken up about alleged psychological harassment and intimidation by its former artistic director,” states a Sunday (2/4) Canadian Press article. “Several musicians have told Montreal media outlets … that Charles Dutoit would repeatedly insult, humiliate and verbally lash out at musicians when he was the orchestra’s artistic director from 1977 to 2002. Lucien Bouchard, who in addition to his role with the orchestra is also a former premier of Quebec, says in a statement that the testimonies will strengthen the orchestra’s determination to provide a harmonious working environment. Bouchard pointed out that the orchestra already launched its own independent investigation into sexual harassment in the workplace … the day after it received a complaint of that nature against Dutoit…. The 81-year-old Grammy-winning conductor has emphatically denied the accusations of sexual misconduct…. ‘We are very compassionate and moved by the suffering expressed in these recently published musicians’ testimonies,’ read [Bouchard’s] statement published late Saturday. ‘They … strengthen the (orchestra’s) determination to ensure that the dignity and fundamental rights of its musicians and employees are respected at all times.’ “
Posted February 5, 2018
