After allegations of sexual misconduct at Juilliard, 500 musicians demand change. An open letter was sent to the Juilliard administration regarding the alleged misconduct of Robert Beaser.
Robert Beaser is Artistic Director Laureate of the American Composers Orchestra and was co-music director and conductor of Musical Elements Ensemble from 1978 to 1989. In 1977 he became the youngest composer to win the Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome. Beaser’s Mountain Songs received a Grammy nomination in 1986.
Hundreds of artists and classical music leaders have written an open letter to the administration of The Juilliard School in New York, urging that the school take quick action in response to claims of wrongdoing against Robert Beaser, former chair of Juilliard’s composition department.
The letter, published on Medium reads, “We, a diverse community of composers, musicians, educators, leaders, and allies, call for action regarding the allegations of a decades-long abuse of women and power by composer Robert Beaser. While his conduct is being third-party investigated, we call for his immediate placement on administrative leave from the faculty of The Juilliard School. Though we recognize and appreciate the need for due process, the volume of allegations, testimony, and supporting evidence of Beaser’s misconduct are undeniably unsettling. Until the investigation is resolved, Beaser’s presence in the Juilliard composition department could jeopardize the emotional well-being of students and inhibit a safe and healthy learning environment.”
The story first broke last week when , writer Sammy Sussman published charges made against Beaser and late composer Christopher Rouse in the German-based VAN magazine Sussman writes in his article, “2001, Suzanne Farrin auditioned for the Juilliard School’s prestigious composition program. The night after her audition, she says that Christopher Rouse, a faculty member at the time, tried to kiss her. “I sort of twirled out of his arms and ran away,” Farrin said.
Farrin realized her educational connection with Rouse was over after she turned down his propositions. Farrin agreed to meet Rouse for dinner to talk about her audition. However, after he attempted to kiss her, she wondered why Rouse had earlier exhibited interest in her music.
NPR news reported, Beaser, 68, resigned from his teaching and other positions at Juilliard as the institution initiated an independent investigation into the claims. The school’s provost, Adam Meyer, kept the composition faculty and students updated on this development.
Founded in 1905, The Juilliard School is a world leader in performing arts education.
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