CHARLES DUTOIT

LONDON • Charles Dutoit has stepped down early from his role as artistic director and principal conductor of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra following allegations of sexual misconduct, the orchestra said Wednesday.

The renowned conductor’s departure had originally been scheduled for October 2019, but the London-based philharmonic said in a statement that it now was effective immediately. The decision, made jointly with Dutoit, followed an emergency board meeting and “dialogue” with the conductor, according to the statement.

The Montreal maestro and former OSM conductor was targeted last month by a series of allegations of sexual misconduct. Dutoit denied all wrongdoing, and the allegations have not been proved in court.