New York Philharmonic Launches Investigation into Misconduct Allegations

The New York Philharmonic has commissioned an independent investigation into its institutional culture following a magazine article detailing allegations of sexual misconduct against two players, Matthew Muckey and Liang Wang, that the orchestra failed to fire in 2018. The article, published in New York magazine, reported that Cara Kizer, a former Philharmonic French horn player, alleged that Muckey drugged and sexually assaulted her in 2010.

In response to the revelations, the Philharmonic's President and CEO, Gary Ginstling, sent an email to the board, musicians, and staff, stating that the details revealed in the article are "horrifying" and that he is "deeply concerned" about the broader issues of institutional culture. Ginstling has taken immediate steps to address the situation, including engaging Katya Jestin, a managing partner at the law firm Jenner & Block, to conduct an outside investigation that will look into everything and leave "no stone unturned," including any new allegations that may arise.

The Philharmonic attempted to fire Wang and Muckey in 2018, but they were reinstated in 2020 after filing a grievance with the players' union and an independent arbitrator forced the orchestra to reinstate them. The two players are currently not being assigned to any Philharmonic activity as the investigation proceeds, and a decision about their future with the orchestra will be made in due course.

Why this matters: The allegations and the Philharmonic's handling of the situation raise serious questions about the culture within the renowned institution. The independent investigation aims to shed light on any systemic issues and provide recommendations for fostering a safe and equitable environment for all musicians.

The Philharmonic is also preparing to seek changes to its audition and tenure review policies and procedures to provide more transparency, oversight, and equity to the process. Ginstling has pledged to share the recommendations from the investigation with the board, staff, musicians, and the public, as the orchestra works to build a "vibrant and inclusive culture" within the organization. "The details revealed in the article are horrifying," Ginstling wrote in his email. "I am deeply concerned about the broader issues of institutional culture."

Key Takeaways

• NY Philharmonic commissions investigation into sexual misconduct allegations
• Allegations against 2 players, Muckey and Wang, who were reinstated in 2020
• Investigation aims to address systemic issues and foster a safe environment
• Philharmonic to seek changes to audition and tenure review policies
• CEO expresses deep concern over the "horrifying" details and institutional culture