Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland disown James Levine

From the Chicago Symphony Orchestra: The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) learned of the recent allegations against James Levine through reports in the media. The CSOA finds these allegations deeply troubling. The Ravinia Festival engages the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for several weeks of concerts each summer. Mr. Levine served as Ravinia Festival’s music director from 1973 to 1993. We understand that the Ravinia Festival is awaiting the findings of the current investigations and will take action as appropriate. At
this time, Mr. Levine is not scheduled to conduct future concerts with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Center.

The Ravinia Festival said it had ‘severed all ties’, with Levine, its recently appointed conductor laureate. ‘We are deeply troubled and saddened by the allegations and sympathise with everyone who has been hurt,’ it said.

The Cincinnati May Festival has cancelled the appearance of James Levine next May.

The Cleveland Institute of Music said: ‘The Institute was deeply disturbed to learn about the incidents which were reported to have occurred in Cleveland in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Cleveland Institute of Music is fully aware of its lawful obligations toward students, and faculty and staff are instructed in both the spirit and letter of our long-standing policies and complaint procedures regarding sexual harassment and misconduct.’

The Cleveland Orchestra said: ‘We are not aware of any complaints made during his time with the orchestra.’