Concertgoers in Louisville have turned on their incoming music director, Teddy Abrams, for scheduling concerts of Jewish-American composers over the Jewish New Year holiday.

Abrams has responded with this statement: ‘As most probably know, I am Jewish and I have the highest respect for our traditions and holy days. Unfortunately, the Louisville Orchestra does not own its performance venues, and scheduling concerts, rehearsals and artists is an immensely complex logistical challenge. We will make every effort in the future to avoid these conflicts.’

Manchester Police, investigating sex offences at Chetham’s School of Music, have charged Wen Zhou Li with one count of raping a teenaged girl at Chet’s and two of indecent assault. Wen also taught at the Royal Northern college of Music.

He was arrested last February and has been bailed several times before charges were finally brought.

Wen, 59, who will appear in court on October 16, was something of a poster boy for the school in its bid for international students. Presumptions of innocence apply, pre-trial.

We warned last week that there would be more after Gianandrea Noseda quit in Turin, Riccardo Muti left Rome Opera and Nicola Luisotti called time on San Carlo in Naples.

Next to go is Daniele Rustioni, 30, one of the bright young talents on the Italian scene. He has resigned as music director of the Teatro Petruzelli in Bari, Italy’s fourth largest opera house. He’s furious that to productions have been chopped from his season. He will leave in January.

New psychological variations on a vital theme. Read here.