US concertmaster is ousted

US concertmaster is ousted

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norman lebrecht

March 04, 2020

The St Paul Chamber Orchestra parted company yesterday with Ruggero Allifranchini, its co-concertmaster.

Here’s what players were told.

Dear Members of the SPCO,

I’m writing to let you know that Ruggero Allifranchini has resigned from his position with the SPCO to pursue other endeavors.

Sincerely,
Jason

Jason Piehl General Manager

We’ve been given to understand that an issue arose with another member of the orchestra and the Italian was asked to leave.

 

 

Comments

  • V.Lind says:

    Dear Members, It’s none of your effing business what we do or why we do it. Sincerely, etc.

  • Violinplayer says:

    It used to be that GM’s would write well-thought out letters informing about resignations…maybe focusing on the good things the person brought to the institution and wishing them the best For the future. This Jason guy sounds like a pretty lousy amateur general manager.

    • Fiddlefaddle says:

      He must not have had a good lawyer to help him control the message.

    • Bruce says:

      I’d say the lack of such puffery is an indicator.

      Also, as mentioned by another commenter, the GM may be bound by a confidentiality agreement or an ongoing investigation or something.

  • Viola Power says:

    I believe it is a #MeToo matter by another member in the orchestra. Apparently it has been ongoing for a bit.

    • fflambeau says:

      I’m not surprised. I used to live in Rome and every time I took the bus, I saw men pinching and groping ladies. It’s part of their culture, as it is in France.

      I ‘m sure this well-thought of group will have no trouble replacing him.

      • Charles Clark-Maxwell says:

        ==I ‘m sure this well-thought of group will have no trouble replacing him.

        That’s right, the world is full of good fiddlers

        • Regi says:

          In this crazy politically correct world real talent is easily replaced with mediocre, and anything goes for ignorant audience that does not know real artistry

      • Slide says:

        What an appalling comment! To imply that all men from a certain country behave in a certain way is unfair and thoughtless in the extreme.

  • Terence says:

    Is there a non-disclosure agreement or two in play?

    Jason’s hands may be tied.

  • Frogmusic says:

    Sounds like a coverup. These sexual predators need to be outed and not sent to ‘pursue other endeavors.’ Total BS. The management should be ashamed of itself and should itself go ‘pursue other endeavors.’

  • Anne says:

    I’m devastated by his departure. He is a gifted violinist and a passionate performer. The SPCO won’t be the same without him.

  • Regi says:

    Huge loss for the orchestra, and the public!

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