Investigations against conductors: Leipzig music school in turmoil!

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In Leipzig, the public prosecutor's office is investigating a conductor for sexual harassment - disturbing allegations that affect the music school.

In Leipzig ermittelt die Staatsanwaltschaft gegen einen Dirigenten wegen sexueller Belästigung – beunruhigende Vorwürfe, die die Musikschule betreffen.
In Leipzig, the public prosecutor's office is investigating a conductor for sexual harassment - disturbing allegations that affect the music school.

Investigations against conductors: Leipzig music school in turmoil!

In Leipzig, an investigation against a conductor of the music school's Youth Symphony Orchestra (JSO) is causing considerable unrest. As the LVZ Reportedly, members of the orchestra have received mail from the police because they are supposed to appear as witnesses in a trial. The public prosecutor's office has started an investigation into suspicion of stalking and possible sexual harassment. The focus is on the conductor's alleged cross-border behavior towards his young protégés.

The conductor has been on sick leave for a week; a concert planned for the Gewandhaus was canceled. Parents and orchestra members expressed concern about the situation. Two members have already decided to leave the orchestra and are seeking talks with the music school management. Music school director Matthias Wiedemann has informed the JSO members about the criminal complaint, but sees no solid evidence of misconduct on the part of the conductor.

The reactions and the outlook

The situation reflects a larger problem in the cultural sector. The case is reminiscent of other allegations of sexual violence, such as the Lindemann case, which have sparked an important debate about discrimination and abuse of power MDR reported. The #musicmetoo platform, which was co-initiated by Anna-Lena Öhmann, remains open to reports about structural problems in the industry.

Amid the uncertainty, the young people of the orchestra, with the support of the pastor of the Michaeliskirche in Leipzig-Gohlis, organized an unofficial final concert called “Symphonic Devotional”. In a short time they found a new conductor in Judith Bothe. This concert was celebrated with a standing ovation and represents a creative response to the difficult situation.

The city administration has explained that it was not possible to take over the management of the orchestra quickly. Orchestra operations are now at a standstill and the future of the JSO's summer tour is uncertain. The city emphasizes that the need for protection of students and employees has top priority. Such events show that the issues of sexual violence and discrimination remain pressing concerns within the music and cultural scene.