Sacked Concertgebouw Orchestra conductor denies sexual assault claims

Queen Maxima with Daniele Gatti (right) earlier this year. Photo: Wesley de Wit | Hollandse Hoogte
Queen Maxima with Daniele Gatti (right) earlier this year. Photo: Wesley de Wit | Hollandse Hoogte

Sacked Concertgebouw Orchestra conductor Daniele Gatti has said he is consulting lawyers about taking steps to protect his reputation, following his dismissal over sexual assault claims.

Speaking on his behalf, Gatti’s lawyer said the Italian national is ‘completely surprised’ about the sacking and that he denies all the claims made against him.

‘The maestro has asked his lawyers to protect his reputation and to take all necessary action if this slanderous campaign continues,’ the statement is quoted as saying by Dutch media.

Gatti was sacked on Thursday following last month’s report in the Washington Post in which he was accused of sexual assault in 1996 and 2000.

‘These accusations and Gatti’s reactions in this respect have caused a lot of commotion among both musicians and staff, as well as stakeholders both at home and abroad,’ the orchestra said in a press statement on Thursday.

‘In addition, since the publication of the article in the Washington Post, a number of female colleagues with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra have reported experiences with Gatti, which are inappropriate considering his position as chief conductor,’ the statement said, without going into details.

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