Over 500 musicians are demanding New York’s prestigious Juilliard College take quick motion in opposition to composer Robert Beaser following allegations of sexual misconduct.
As reported by VAN final week, Beaser — who previously chaired the performing arts academy’s composition division — has been accused of a number of cases of previously-undisclosed sexual harassment and misconduct that occurred all through the Nineteen Nineties and 2000s. One other employees member, late composer Christopher Rouse, was accused of comparable behaviour.
Following the article, NPR reported that Beaser had stepped down from his obligations at Juilliard as of Friday (December 16). An investigation into the allegations was launched by an unbiased legislation agency, with faculty provost Adam Meyer telling employees in an e mail: “We are going to proceed to conduct the investigation in a confidential method.”
“We wish to guarantee you that our processes and procedures present for honest and neutral therapy of all concerned, and we’re dedicated to our work to resolve this matter.”
On Monday (December 19), an open letter with greater than 500 signatories from the classical music neighborhood was addressed to the varsity, demanding quick motion for Beaser’s misconduct.
“Although we acknowledge and respect the necessity for due course of, the quantity of allegations, testimony, and supporting proof of Beaser’s misconduct are undeniably unsettling,” the letter learn. “Till the investigation is resolved, Beaser’s presence within the Juilliard composition division may jeopardize the emotional well-being of scholars and inhibit a protected and wholesome studying setting.”
It was signed by quite a lot of present professors at numerous establishments and distinguished composers, equivalent to Vivian Fung, Sarah Kirkland Snider, Nicholas Britell, Missy Mazzoli and extra, a lot of whom are Juilliard graduates.
As per VAN, a Juilliard spokeswoman mentioned that Beaser had been investigated by the conservatory again within the late Nineteen Nineties and once more in newer years, nevertheless, new allegations had come to gentle within the article. Among the allegations levelled in opposition to Beaser within the piece embrace having inappropriate sexual relationships with college students, whereas it reported that quite a lot of employees and college members had been conscious of the misconduct for the reason that 2000s.
In an e mail to VAN, Beaser mentioned he was conscious of the investigation and seemed “ahead to cooperating with it”.
