Issue: July 2024
Sexual harassment has become normalized in the music industry. This may be especially true in American orchestras (as we saw with the recent allegations of misconduct at the New York Philharmonic). Reasons for the pervasive nature of this culture include the peculiar power dynamics of orchestras, the close-knit working environment, and the lack of consistent application of prevention and … [Read more...]
Issue: Chairperson's Reports
Recent developments at the New York Philharmonic have highlighted the significant challenges survivors of sexual misconduct face in finding support within our industry. It is important to acknowledge that this is not a new issue; survivors have long struggled to navigate our complex system. The ICSOM Governing Board recognizes the need for a tangible resource to help survivors, bystanders, and … [Read more...]
Issue: July 2024
It all started because my colleagues knew that I had never been to San Francisco. That was the location of the 2007 ROPA conference, and they thought that their gay colleague should be the ROPA delegate for the Grand Rapids Symphony and take a trip to this city with so much LGBTQ history. So I took the bait, ran for office, won the election, and headed to San Francisco a few months later. Boy, … [Read more...]
Issue: Counsel's Columns
The recent Vulture article “A Hidden Sexual-Assault Scandal at the New York Philharmonic” sparked discussion on a number of topics: the union’s role in disciplinary matters; the duty of fair representation; and what happens in arbitration (among others). What follows is a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Not every relevant topic will be addressed, and I plan to cover much of this ground … [Read more...]
Issue: Editor's Reports
This April, when the topic of sexual misconduct in our industry once again came to the fore, the ICSOM Governing Board identified that an issue of Senza Sordino could provide our members with information and resources to turn to in the case that they encounter a sexual misconduct situation. The front-page article “Sexual Harassment and Sexual Violence in the Orchestra” written by … [Read more...]
