“James David Christie, widely regarded as one of the greatest organists of his generation, has resigned his post as distinguished artist-in-residence at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester,” writes Malcolm Gay in Friday’s (8/24) Boston Globe. “He has also left Oberlin College and Conservatory, where he was a professor of organ and chair of the organ department. Christie has played with the Boston Symphony Orchestra since at least 1980, and he served as Wellesley College organist for years. A group of former students wrote Holy Cross president Rev. Philip L. Boroughs earlier this month, charging that … ‘Several of us were sexually abused by Prof. Christie while we were Holy Cross students.’ … In a Thursday e-mail to Oberlin students, staff, and faculty … conservatory dean Andrea Kalyn said … ‘Professor Christie was informed of these allegations and was placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. He has resigned.’ … Christie, 66, did not respond to … messages seeking comment.” Christie performed with the BSO as a freelance musician and has no formal title there. In a statement, the BSO said, “The Boston Symphony Orchestra has never had complaints against Mr. Christie … There are no plans to engage him for future performances with the orchestra.”
Posted August 24, 2018
