Judge quits major competition ‘for moral reasons’

Judge quits major competition ‘for moral reasons’

News

norman lebrecht

September 22, 2022

The Swiss trumpet virtuoso Giuliano Sommerhalder has walked off the jury of the Maurice André for what he describes as ‘moral reasons.’

Giuliano, who is principal trumpet at Orchestre de la Suisse Romande in Geneva and trumpet professor in Berne, writes: ‘It is with sadness, with a sense of guilt (towards the amazing generation of competitors who are preparing for this event and only deserve the best opportunities), and with a hint of self-love, that I resign from the jury of the 2022 Maurice André Competition for moral reasons.’

He is prevented from saying more by a confidentiality agreement.

The competition has been revived after a 16-year hiatus and is due to be held in Paris in two months’ time.

Comments

  • Nerd says:

    Is this like, a #MeToo thing or something?

  • Tamino says:

    So is it because Timur Martynov, last winner of the competition 16 years ago and today solo trumpet of the Marinskij, is in the jury? That alone would not be a „moral reason“.

    • Amos says:

      Regardless of his reason(s) it is so noble of you to decide definitively what is a “moral reason” for him to opt out as a judge. Perhaps you should send him your contact info so he can avail himself of your selective take on morality in the future.

  • Jack Burt says:

    The Competition (and many others) has recently been called out publicly for having nine jurors, and none of them female. A second juror, Stephen Burns, has also withdrawn.

  • trumpetherald says:

    Giuliano is associate principal trumpet of the Rotterdam phil,not the OSM

  • Leafar Riobueno says:

    Felicidades amigo!!!

  • Stephen Burns says:

    He was not alone in protesting the conditions of this concours
    Stephen Burns, 1988

  • Bob says:

    People still worry about morals in this day and age of live and let live. This is rare to admit such personal convictions, I just hope his convictions are based on the Bible standard, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, and body; Love your neighbor as you love yourself; Do to others as you would want them to do to you. This sums up the Law and the Prophets.

  • Robert Earley says:

    Hey, I’m all for diversity, but seriously, who can replace Steve Burns, as far as credentials are concerned

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