VIDEO ⟩ Sexual harassment may have occurred at the National Symphony Orchestra

The report is about the events of several years ago, however, it caused a reaction, both by calling the orchestra employee mentioned in the anonymous complaint to the discussions, and by working on a document that will clearly define the boundaries of ethical and physical contact, which will also be stipulated in the employment contracts of the orchestra employees.

LTV has received reports from two different women about what happened in the orchestra and specifically about the behavior and actions of one employee. One of the complaints accused an orchestra member of getting too close, more “than would be acceptable in a collegial relationship”, compliments on appearance and declarations of attention.

The specific employee of the orchestra, about whom LTV has received several anonymous complaints, is also a teacher at the Jāzeps Vītola Latvian Music Academy (JVLMA), where the police have started criminal proceedings for possible harassment of female students by the teachers. He denies any wrongdoing.

On the other hand, JVLMA continues to receive new evidence of unacceptable behavior, including sexual harassment and emotional abuse. Currently, two heads of departments have been suspended from their positions – the former head of the Early Music Department, Māris Kupčs, and the former head of the Department of Music Technology, Rolands Kronlaks. Both are likely to lose their positions at JVLMA.

On March 11, JVLMA council expressed no confidence in JVLMA rector Guntars Prānis and called for his resignation. The Council has invited the Senate of the Academy to convene a meeting on April 10 regarding the expressed lack of confidence in Prānis.