The Montreal Symphony Orchestra (MSO) said an independent inquiry into complaints of sexual assault by the celebrated maestro hadn’t found sufficient evidence.
The investigation, underway since last December, was officially closed in mid-October, according to a statement published on Tuesday.
Four women – three opera singers and a musician – complained that Dutoit had imposed unwanted physical contact on them. The alleged incidents occurred between 1985 and 2010 in several American cities.
The 82-year-old Dutoit, who led the MSO for 25 years until 2002, had a reputation as a “tyrant” and was feared for this “mental cruelty”, according to reports in the Canadian press.
He has conducted many orchestras in Switzerland and abroad and won several international awards. In September, he was named principal guest conductor of the St Petersburg Philharmonic for the 2018-2019 season.
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Dismissed Swiss conductor denies sexual assault claims
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“They are shocking not only to me but also to my friends and colleagues. I do not recognise the actions described,” the 81-year-old told the Associated Press news agency by email on Saturday. He added that informal, physical contact is common in the entertainment industry but denied accusations of coercion. He said he will be contacting…
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The decision was communicated by the RPO on Wednesday following an emergency meeting of the board and “further dialogue” with the Swiss conductor. Dutoit, 81, had already announced in June 2017 that he would vacate his post in October 2019. “Whilst Mr Dutoit continues to seek legal counsel to defend himself, the protracted uncertainty and…
‘We live in an information society, not a society of culture’
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Charles Dutoit rarely gives interviews. But on the occasion of his 80th birthday, the Grammy-winner opened up about his 55-year career.
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