Top French conductor stops work due to sexting scandal

Francois-Xavier Roth is one of the most famous conductors in the world – Copyright AFP Shammi MEHRA

Leading French conductor Francois-Xavier Roth is suspending his performances after a media report accused him of sending sexually explicit messages and images to musicians, an orchestra and a concert promoter said on Friday.

Roth, one of the world’s most famous conductors, founded and directs the French orchestra Les Siecles and also holds the prestigious position as director of the Gürzenich Orchestra and the Opera in Cologne.

In an article published on Wednesday, French satirical newspaper Canard Enchaine quoted statements from musicians – only one of whom revealed his identity – who said they had received invasive messages from the maestro in which he allegedly showed his genitals.

Paris’ Théâtre des Champs-Elysees (TCE), where Les Siecles has a residency, told AFP that Roth would be “replaced by the ensemble next season” during concerts at the venue.

Stefan Englert, managing director of the Gürzenich Orchestra, said in a statement that they were taking the report “very seriously” and were conducting investigations.

“Francois-Xavier Roth has decided to stop his work with immediate effect in order to give the Gürzenich Orchestra and the Cologne Opera the opportunity to clarify and resolve the situation,” he explained.

“Since our primary concern is transparent and comprehensive clarification, we ask for a little patience,” Englert continued.

There has been no talk so far of a lawsuit against Roth, who is also a long-time guest conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra.

On Wednesday evening, Les Siecles was due to give a concert at the TCE in Paris, conducted by Roth. The concert took place, but was replaced at the last minute by another conductor.

When asked by AFP, Les Siecles stated on Wednesday that “the orchestra had received neither a warning nor a report from musicians regarding Mr Roth, nor had it tolerated the slightest abuse of power.”

It went on to say that “no musician has ever been excluded for speaking out about his or her behavior.”

The ensemble Les Siecles, founded by Roth in 2003, is unique in that it performs all pieces of music on original instruments of the respective period, be it baroque music, the classical repertoire or modern works of the 20th century.

It is widely believed that the closely connected classical music industry is slow to feel the impact of the #MeToo movement, which is denouncing sexual harassment and shaking up the film industry.