Musicians Oppose François-Xavier Roth Amid Allegations

"Accept, but do not support." This is how some musicians of the SWR Symphony Orchestra have responded to the decision to retain François-Xavier Roth as the orchestra's future chief conductor, despite accusations of sexual harassment against him.

In July, Südwestrundfunk (SWR) confirmed that François-Xavier Roth would take over as chief conductor of the SWR Symphony Orchestra starting in the 2025/26 season. It was initially reported that the orchestra's board supported this decision. However, it has now become clear that not all members of the orchestra agree. Roth faced criticism in May following allegations of sexual harassment under the #MeToo movement.

SWR Symphony Orchestra Musicians Demand Clarification

Forty-eight musicians from the SWR Symphony Orchestra have openly criticized the decision, according to a report by the Badische Zeitung. In a letter dated July 21 to Anke Mai, SWR's Programme Director for Culture, Knowledge, and Young Formats, among others, the signatories expressed concern that the public had been misled. They refuted the notion that the entire orchestra supported the decision. While the decision is accepted, it is not endorsed. The musicians are calling for a public statement from SWR clarifying that the orchestra had no part in the decision to retain François-Xavier Roth.

"We believe that it harms the SWR Symphony Orchestra's public image, credibility, and sovereignty," the letter states.

SWR's Cultural Director Responds

Anke Mai, SWR's Director of Culture, responded to the musicians' letter two days later. According to BR-KLASSIK, she explained that the orchestra board had been asked for a statement on the decision but chose not to participate in the decision-making process regarding future collaboration with François-Xavier Roth. The board had explicitly requested to be excluded from the decision-making, and this request was honored.

SWR has indicated that further discussions will be held after the summer break, involving Anke Mai, the orchestra management, and the orchestra musicians.