The New York Times is reporting that The Metropolitan Opera has suspended James Levine, its conductor and former music director, after three men came forward with sexual abuse allegations over the past decades. James Levine conducted the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and appeared in Fantasia 2000.
The Metropolitan Opera released a statement:
We are suspending our relationship with James Levine, pending an investigation, following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct by Mr. Levine that took place from the 1960’s to the 1980’s including the earlier part of his conducting career at the Met. Mr. Levine will not be involved in any Met activities, including conducting the scheduled performances at the Met this season. “While we await the results of the investigation, based on these new news reports, the Met has made the decision to act now.” said Peter Gelb, Met General Manager, whose actions are fully supported by the leadership of the Met Board and its Executive Committee. “This is a tragedy for anyone whose life has been affected.”
Details of the alleged misconduct are in the New York Times report. Due to the timeframe indicated, there is no current connection to his role in Fantasia 2000.