Orchestras on Tour: A Call for Accountability and Safer Practices in the Classical Music Industry
- Chief Editor
- Nov 14, 2024
- 11 min read
Updated: Mar 13
The recent testimony from musician Kate Rendall about an alleged sexual assault by a New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) retired oboist, Stephen Popperwell (also her former teacher) raises critical issues surrounding accountability, safety, and the culture of orchestras, particularly during international tours. The story is both heartbreaking and eye-opening, highlighting gaps in responsibility, the handling of misconduct, and the need for systemic change.
You can read Kate Rendall's testimony here:
Orchestras, like the NZSO, represent their nations on international stages and often receive substantial public funding. This prestige carries immense responsibility—not just to deliver outstanding musical performances but also to uphold values of integrity, respect, and safety. When incidents like this arise, they expose serious shortcomings in how orchestras manage, address, and prevent misconduct.
The Incident
In August 2005, the NZSO embarked on a high-profile tour of the United Kingdom and Europe, supported by an extra $400,000 from New Zealand’s Cultural Diplomacy International Program Fund, according to Rendall. Billed as "cultural ambassadors" by then-Prime Minister Helen Clark, the orchestra performed at prestigious venues, including the BBC Proms. The concert at the Proms was a historic moment for the NZSO, one that is still proudly noted on the orchestra’s Wikipedia page.
However, the aftermath of this celebrated performance has become the focal point of controversy. An informal, non-sanctioned afterparty was held at the orchestra’s hotel, attended by musicians, friends, family, and audience members. It was during this gathering that the alleged sexual assault occurred. The victim, who had once been a student of Stephen Popperwell, described how she was invited to the oboist’s room under the pretense of examining an instrument. The encounter quickly turned into a traumatic experience when Rendall's former teacher allegedly assaulted her.
Despite the harrowing nature of the incident, the NZSO later claimed it had no knowledge of the afterparty and could not investigate the alleged assault, as it was deemed "entirely outside of Mr. Popperwell’s employment with the orchestra." This response from the orchestra has raised significant concerns about how misconduct cases are handled, especially during tours when musicians are acting as representatives of their organization and country.
The Challenge of Accountability
This horrible incident, which is far too common in the orchestra world, has highlighted systemic issues in the way orchestras handle allegations of misconduct. One of the primary concerns is the lack of clear policies and protocols for dealing with inappropriate behavior outside of formal concert settings. Tours often involve a mix of professional obligations and social events, creating a blurred line between personal and professional conduct.
While orchestras may argue that activities after call time are not their responsibility, the reality is more complex. Musicians on tour are still representatives of their organization, whether they are onstage or off. As the NZSO case illustrates, ignoring this fact can lead to serious repercussions for victims and damage the orchestra's reputation as a cultural ambassador.
Learning from the NZSO Incident
The NZSO incident underscores the need for orchestras to implement comprehensive policies to address misconduct, even in informal or non-sanctioned settings. Here are several lessons that orchestras can take from this situation and should start applying:
Establish Clear Codes of Conduct for Tours: Orchestras must set clear expectations for behavior during tours, covering not only performances but also interactions at social events and after-parties. Musicians should be made aware that they are still representatives of their organization at all times while on tour, and inappropriate behavior will have consequences.
Create Safe Reporting Mechanisms: It is crucial for orchestras to provide accessible and safe avenues for reporting misconduct. Victims should be able to report incidents without fear of retaliation or dismissal. Independent third-party reporting systems, such as hotlines or online platforms, can help ensure that complaints are handled impartially.
Implement Tour Safety Protocols: Orchestras should establish safety protocols for musicians and staff during tours. This could include having a designated tour manager or safety officer responsible for handling incidents and ensuring that all parties understand their rights and responsibilities.
Regular Training on Consent and Professional Conduct: Mandatory training sessions on consent, harassment, and professional conduct should be part of an orchestra's preparation for any tour. This training can help reinforce the importance of respectful behavior and educate musicians about the consequences of misconduct.
Develop a Response Plan for Misconduct Allegations: Orchestras need a clear and transparent process for investigating allegations of misconduct. This includes establishing an internal committee or working with an independent investigator to handle complaints. The response plan should ensure that victims receive support and that appropriate actions are taken swiftly.
Addressing Medical Excuses for Misconduct
In the NZSO case, the accused musician later claimed that a hypoglycemic episode impaired his judgment, leading to the alleged assault. This explanation raises another critical issue: how medical conditions are managed during tours. If a musician has a known medical condition that could affect their behavior, the orchestra has a responsibility to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to prevent potential harm.
Orchestras should also consider implementing the following safety measures while on tour:
Medical Disclosures and Safety Planning: Musicians with medical conditions that may affect their behavior should be required to disclose this information confidentially to the tour management team. A plan should be in place to monitor and assist these individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary support and do not pose a risk to others.
Clear Guidelines on Alcohol Consumption: The combination of alcohol and certain medical conditions can lead to impaired judgment. Orchestras should provide guidelines on alcohol consumption during tours and encourage musicians to drink responsibly, particularly when interacting with colleagues and guests.
A Call for Cultural Change
The NZSO's handling of this tragic incident reflects a broader issue within the classical music industry. This case serves as a reminder that orchestras, as cultural institutions, have a responsibility to lead by example in promoting a safe and respectful environments.
The classical music community must move beyond simply fulfilling the bare minimum of legal obligations. Instead, orchestras should strive to create a culture of accountability, where misconduct is not tolerated, and victims like Rendall feel supported.
By learning from past incidents and implementing robust policies, orchestras can create a safer, more respectful environment that upholds the highest standards of professionalism, both onstage and off, while helping foster a more inclusive environment for musicians, students, and audience members.
The need for change is clear. Now, it is up to orchestras worldwide to take action and set a new standard for accountability and safety in the classical music industry.
What Can You Do Today to Advocate for These Changes?
Below are two drafted letters, one for the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and the second for the alleged Stephen Popperwell.
Here is a drafted letter below that you can send to the New Zealand Symphony to advocate for better accountability. Email address: info@nzso.co.nz Mailing address: P.O. Box 6640
Wellington 6141
New Zealand
~Subject line if emailing them: Addressing Allegations: The NZSO's Responsibility to Act~
~If sending by mail: Add your name, address, email, and the date at the top of this letter~
To the Board of Directors and Management of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra,
I am writing to express deep concern regarding the reported incident of sexual assault involving retired NZSO oboist Stephen Popperwell during the 2005 European tour. The allegations, recently brought forward by oboist Kate Rendall, a former student of Mr. Popperwell, highlight a serious failure in how the NZSO addresses issues of misconduct and fails to prioritize the safety and well-being of those connected to its organization. This case exposes a deeper, systemic problem within the classical music industry that urgently needs to be addressed.
Kate Rendall's testimony can be found here:
It is disheartening to see that nearly two decades later, this incident remains unresolved, and the victim has yet to receive any form of justice or acknowledgment from the NZSO. The response from your organization, which seemed to dismiss the incident as occurring outside of official employment boundaries, raises serious questions about your commitment to accountability, transparency, and the safety of all individuals associated with the NZSO.
The idea that misconduct occurring at an informal, after-hours gathering does not fall under your responsibility is a dangerous precedent. Musicians on tour are representatives of the NZSO at all times, and their actions, whether onstage or off, impact the reputation of your institution. This position not only fails the victim but also suggests a lack of responsibility for ensuring safe environments for all participants, be they musicians, students, guests, or audience members.
Taking Accountability
I urge the NZSO to take the following steps to provide accountability for the victim and to demonstrate a commitment to addressing these serious issues:
Acknowledge the Victim’s Experience: Publicly acknowledge the incident and the harm caused to the Kate Rendall. Offer an apology and commit to a transparent review of what happened, even if it is many years later. The victim deserves to be heard and to receive recognition of the trauma she endured.
Conduct an Independent Investigation: Engage an independent investigator to thoroughly review the incident. This should include speaking to witnesses, the accused, and the victim, if she is willing. An external party would help ensure impartiality and foster trust in the process.
Provide Support and Resources to the Victim: Regardless of the outcome of an investigation, offer resources such as counseling or legal assistance to the victim, Kate Rendall, as a gesture of goodwill and recognition of the impact this has had on her life and career.
Improving Safety Measures
This case serves as a reminder that robust policies are essential to prevent future incidents. I urge the NZSO to implement comprehensive measures that address misconduct and prioritize safety, including:
Developing a Clear Code of Conduct: Establish and enforce a code of conduct for musicians on tour, covering behavior not only during official events but also during informal gatherings. Musicians should understand their role as ambassadors of your institution at all times.
Creating Safe Reporting Mechanisms: Introduce anonymous and safe channels for reporting misconduct, such as third-party hotlines or online platforms. This would allow victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
Training on Consent and Professional Conduct: Implement mandatory training for all members of the orchestra, focusing on issues of consent, harassment, and professional behavior. This education should be repeated regularly and consistently, especially before international tours, to reinforce the standards expected of representatives of the NZSO.
Appointing a Tour Safety Officer: Designate a staff member as a tour safety officer responsible for addressing any concerns or incidents that arise during tours. This individual should be trained in handling sensitive issues and be accessible to anyone needing assistance.
Medical Disclosures and Safety Planning: Musicians with medical conditions that may affect their behavior should be required to disclose this information confidentially to the tour management team. A plan should be in place to monitor and assist these individuals, ensuring they receive the necessary support and do not pose a risk to others.
Clear Guidelines on Alcohol Consumption: The combination of alcohol and certain medical conditions can lead to impaired judgment. Orchestras should provide guidelines on alcohol consumption during tours and encourage musicians to drink responsibly, particularly when interacting with colleagues and guests.
Addressing the Limitations of Law Enforcement
It is important to acknowledge that relying solely on law enforcement to handle cases of sexual assault is often inadequate, particularly in international settings. Many victims choose not to report to the police for a variety of reasons, including fear of not being believed, concerns about the legal process in a foreign country, and the emotional toll of reliving traumatic experiences. Moreover, legal outcomes do not necessarily equate to justice, as criminal investigations may not always lead to charges or convictions, leaving victims without closure.
The NZSO, as a leading cultural institution, has a moral obligation to go beyond merely referring incidents to local authorities. You must create an environment where victims feel safe to report, are taken seriously, and are supported throughout the process. The responsibility to ensure a safe and respectful culture lies within your organization, and waiting for law enforcement to act should not be the only recourse for addressing harm.
A Call for Change
The classical music industry has a long history of overlooking or mishandling cases of sexual misconduct. It is time for this to change. The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra must take this moment as an opportunity to lead by example, showing the world that your organization is committed to creating a safe, respectful, and accountable environment for everyone involved. By implementing the recommended changes and taking responsibility for past failures, you can begin to rebuild trust and set a new standard for how orchestras handle such serious matters.
I strongly urge you to act decisively and compassionately. The future of your organization and its reputation depend on your willingness to confront these issues head-on and make meaningful changes. Victims of misconduct deserve justice, and they deserve to be taken seriously. It is time for the NZSO to stand up and be part of the solution.
Sincerely, ~Enter your signature here~
Drafted letter that can be sent to alleged Stephen Popperwell:
To Mr. Stephen Popperwell,
I am writing to address the allegations of sexual assault made against you from the 2005 New Zealand Symphony Orchestra tour in London. This incident, described in detail by your former oboe student Kate Rendall, reflects a deeply troubling and traumatic event that has had a lasting impact on her life and career. It is time for you to take full accountability for your actions and to acknowledge the harm you caused.
See Kate Rendall's public statement:
Your explanation, attributing your behavior to a hypoglycemic episode, does not absolve you of responsibility. While medical conditions can indeed affect behavior, they do not excuse sexual assault or the violation of another person's bodily autonomy. By attempting to minimize your actions through vague recollections and medical excuses, you have further invalidated the victim's experience and compounded her trauma.
Accountability is about owning up to your behavior, recognizing the harm you inflicted, and taking concrete steps toward making amends. It is not about finding reasons to justify or explain away what happened. You were in a position of power and trust as her former teacher and a respected member of the orchestra, and you abused that trust by inviting her to your room under false pretenses and assaulting her. This is a gross abuse of authority and a violation that has left a deep and lasting scar on the victim.
Why Accountability Matters
You need to understand that your actions had severe consequences, and the trauma from this incident led the victim to avoid music and musicians for over a decade. Her career, passion, and trust in the classical music community were shattered. It is clear that she still carries the weight of this trauma, which speaks volumes about the seriousness of the harm inflicted. You cannot undo what has happened, but you can take responsibility for your actions and acknowledge the impact they have had.
Take Meaningful Action Now.
If you genuinely wish to make amends, I urge you to consider the following steps:
Publicly Acknowledge the Incident: Acknowledge what happened and issue a sincere apology to the victim, Kate Rendall. A public statement accepting responsibility for your actions is a crucial step toward accountability. This is not about saving face or making excuses but about showing genuine remorse for the pain you caused.
Engage in Restorative Justice: If the victim is willing, consider engaging in a restorative justice process. This approach focuses on taking responsibility, understanding the impact of your actions, and working toward repairing the harm done. It is important that this process be led by the victim's needs and preferences, not yours.
Seek Professional Help: If you believe your behavior was influenced by a medical or psychological condition, seek appropriate treatment. However, this cannot be used as an excuse for your actions. Taking steps to ensure this behavior never occurs again is part of your responsibility.
Support Broader Change: Use your experience as an opportunity to advocate for better safety and accountability measures in the classical music community. You have the power to speak out against the culture of silence that often surrounds sexual misconduct in this field. Even if you are retired. You owe it after the damage done.
Avoiding accountability or shifting blame only perpetuates the harm and contributes to a culture where victims feel unsupported and disbelieved. This incident, and the subsequent phone call you made to the victim years later, where you denied and minimized your actions, demonstrate a refusal to accept responsibility. It's time to change that. Taking accountability is not only about acknowledging your actions but also about making a genuine commitment to change and prevent further harm.
I urge you to consider the impact of your actions on Kate Rendall's life and to take this opportunity to do the right thing. A true apology comes from recognizing the pain you've caused, owning your part in it, and actively seeking ways to make amends. This is your chance to show that you are willing to take responsibility and make a meaningful contribution toward healing and change.
Sincerely,
~Enter your signature here~
A member of the greater orchestra community
(c) Harpischords & Hot Sauce, 2024
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