Accusers say they feared they would be blacklisted
The other two accusers did not want to be identified, saying they feared speaking up because the power the famous maestro wields could lead to them being blacklisted from the industry.
Dutoit, who married Canadian violinist Chantal Juillet in 2010, was the artistic director of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra between 1977 and 2002. He resigned amid complaints from the Quebec Musicians’ Guild about “offensive behaviour and complete lack of respect for the musicians.”
When contacted by The Canadian Press, the Montreal Symphony Orchestra said it was aware of the all egations but would not make anyone available for an interview.
“The allegations are related to events that occurred outside the ( Montreal Symphony Orchestra), it would not be appropriate for us to comment,” the organization said.
In response to the allegations, the Boston Symphony Orchestra said Thursday it is cutting ties to Dutoit, citing the “extremely troubling” charges.
In a statement, the orchestra said it will end its relationship with Dutoit, who had been a guest conductor since 1981.
Dutoit, who holds the titles of conductor laureate of the Philadelphia Orchestra and conductor emeritus of the NHK Symphony Orchestra in Tokyo, did not respond to multiple attempts to reach him through the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and his office in Montreal. The Royal Philharmonic said Dutoit was currently on vacation, but that it had forwarded the AP’s emailed requests for comment directly to him. The AP also contacted Dutoit’s office with several phone calls and emails.
The NY Philharmonic says Dutoit has withdrawn from concerts next month after the sexual misconduct allegations.
In a long, distinguished career, he has led highly regarded orchestras in Paris and Montreal, and travelled the globe as a guest conductor.
All four accusers’ stories are similar, and the AP spoke with their colleagues and friends, who confirmed that each of the women shared details of their experiences at the time.
One of the women who asked not to be identified said Dutoit attacked her three times in 2006 and once in 2010, grabbing her breasts, pinning her wrists against his dressing room wall and telling her that they would make better music if she willingly kissed him.
All four women said Dutoit either lured them to a private place to discuss or practise music, or simply seized a moment alone to make his move. The women all said they resisted him and escaped. They said they never filed formal complaints because they were young and Dutoit was the maestro.
In interviews with the AP, more than a dozen singers, musicians and stage staff spoke of a culture of sexual misconduct in the classical music world that they said has long been implicitly tolerated by people in positions of authority.
Dutoit’s accusers said they felt inspired by all the women speaking out about sexual misconduct by powerful men in Hollywood, politics, the media and other industries, and ultimately felt empowered to break their silence after the Metropolitan Opera suspended conductor James Levine earlier this month when misconduct accusations surfaced.
“I never went to the police. I never went to company management. Like everyone else, I looked the other way,” said McNair, now 61. “But it is time now to speak out.”