Scandal for conductors: Roth's contract in Cologne!

Scandal for conductors: Roth's contract in Cologne!

Köln, Deutschland - The renowned French conductor François-Xavier Roth, who was recently general music director of the city of Cologne, is faced with far-reaching consequences after serious allegations of sexual harassment. In May 2024, the magazine Le Canard Enchaîné to light that Roth is said to have sent intimate news and photos to musicians. This led to a public outcry and an early termination of his cooperation with the city of Cologne, which took place on June 30 in mutual agreement, as the city of Cologne announced. Roth received a severance payment of around 200,000 euros, such as Rundschau online

The Cologne public prosecutor has now discontinued the investigation against Roth because it has not found a sufficient suspicion. This decision was made in conjunction with the termination of his employment contract, which also gave the legal basis for a further work-up measure, said Stefan Englert, the managing director of the Gürzenich Orchestra. Roth, who had previously admitted to having made "mistakes" in dealing with musicians in the past, will nevertheless take up his position as a designated chief conductor of the SWR Symphony Orchestra at the beginning of the 2025/2026 season. The SWR had commissioned an internal examination committee to find no complaints against Roth, which underpins the circumstances of his future employment, even if there was criticism from the musicians. Roth was already chief conductor of the SWR Sinfonie Orchestra from 2011 to 2016, and it is excited about how his return will develop in the context of current incidents, as well as BR-Klassik highlighted.

The background of the Causa Roth

The allegations against Roth are a direct episode of the #Metoo debate that goes across the cultural industry. Roth's behavior not only questioned his career in Cologne, but also his relationship with other musical institutions. During the further examination by an external law firm, it is now considered whether and where the internal complaint processes have to be improved. This ongoing analysis aims to ensure that such incidents are prevented in the future. Meanwhile, the Gürzenich Orchestra is planning to hire other conductors for their upcoming concerts, whereby the opening concert is already scheduled for September with Lorenzo Viotti.