Around the Music Festival

The Southwest German Radio Symphony Orchestra (SWR Sinfonieorchester) announced that it will welcome François-Xavier Roth as chief conductor beginning with the 2024/2025 season, as planned.

He was accused of sexual harassment by several women at the end of May and has been suspended from conducting activities. The Southwest German Radio Symphony Orchestra has also dropped him from its July concerts.

He replaces Teodor Currentzis, who retired after the 2023/2024 season. According to the announcement, the internal audit committee found no evidence of wrongdoing by Roth against members of the orchestra and no reason to terminate his contract.

The orchestra also said that it has “agreed to rules with Roth to prevent his misconduct in the future and to protect its employees,” and that it will ensure that measures are taken to protect its staff, including reducing the rights of the chief conductor and providing training for the musicians.

PHOTO：Berliner Philharmoniker　/　Monika Rittershaus


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