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Ridiculous one sided article. Not a coincidence that so many quotes come from 2 of the most appalling, self centered, bitter musicians from the Cleveland Orchestra ( Polyakin and Aaron).

Comment by Charles Bernard — February 15, 2007 @ 11:08AM

Clearly, the author of the article is more concerned about sensational journalism and scandalous gossip than reality. The article is overtly one-sided. To purport that the Cleveland Orchestra is a unique example of favoritism-tinged, unfair audition practice is absurd: Research much? Minnesota Orchestra and countless others do not screen auditions. Such are the ways of the world.

It is interesting that a person so traumatized by 'unwanted advances' would yet be so willing to divulge identity-confirming details and publicly, needlessly, and brazenly attempt to smear one of the most gifted concertmasters in the world solely for personal profit. A woman truly vicitmized by an unwanted advance would not desire to share the incident with any and all readily available audience; she would move on with her life and try to stay as far away from the situation as possible.

Let us think: How does this "expose" benefit the accusers in question?!

Comment by Student — February 15, 2007 @ 11:38AM

Bravo to Rebecca Meiser for coming forward with an article that was long overdue. Yes, it may have been a little one-sided, but people are scared of LOSING THEIR JOBS if they speak out. We live in a democracy, not a dictatorship, and apparently, a lot of money and power brings out characteristics in people that should never be shown.
Lewd advances and sexual propositions are not only inappropriate, but also illegal and wrong. They should not be allowed to continue. Enough said.

Comment by Faculty — February 15, 2007 @ 12:20PM

This article is a prime example of unsubstantiated journalism. How can such slander be published? Where do you get your sources? How often do you quote out of context?

The writing is sophomoric at best, inane at worst.

Did the editor proofread this article?

Did the reporter do any research?

To whomever wrote the article: Did you go to school? And if so, where?

One wonders these days why American journalism is not respected worldwide: it is because of articles like these that are based on rumors and blatant lies that people have lost interest in the media.

Comment by Student — February 15, 2007 @ 12:33PM

To suggest that Steve Rose got his job due to anything but exceptional playing and leadership is ridiculous. You would be hard pressed to find anyone who would agree with this insinuation...which is no doubt why there is no quote from any orchestra member to back it up.

Comment by anon. student — February 15, 2007 @ 01:24PM

This article is ridiculous. Never before have I seen such outlandish slander towards one a great teachers and performers. Obviously alot of your information was taken from the frivolous gossip that students talk about in any conservatory and about ANY faculty member,(rumors don't just spread in cleveland and they are not just about mr. preucil, you just chose to attack him ,because , after all, wouldn't that be a great story? to make mince meat of one of the world's greatest musicians??) Your statements have no factual evidence and "one studen claims" and "one orchestra member says" does NOT cut it. If you are going to do such horrible things to someones reputation, you may as well write articles about all of the gossip that goes on about everybody else, such as The Philadelphia Orchestra's musicians, The New York Philharmonic's, etc...because you will find filthy gossip everywhere and it is only immature, greedy-for -attention people like you that will have the guts to write about the lies that you hear and try to ruin someone for it, all for the sake of your precious meaningless paper....and as for him having too much power, I have studied under Stephen Rose and as guidance to me as a musician he has told me about the process of orchestral auditions and how they are run in cleveland, and it is ALWAYS up to the musical director, and even if you had proof that there were politics involved in some of the assignments, there are politics everywhere and writing an outrageous article towards one musician is not going to do anything about it.

Comment by anonymous student — February 15, 2007 @ 01:47PM

I heard about this when it went down, and Bill even admitted to an incident occurring. I have first hand knowledge of Lexi (what a dumb name) and her lack of skill - getting through auditions. People dont seem to recognize what a big deal it is that someone with no orchestral experience was selected for the Cleveland orchestra. This orchestra deserves to go bankrupt along with the rest of cleveland.

Comment by anony — February 15, 2007 @ 02:13PM

I studied with Steve Rose for two years at CIM. That man is a CLASS ACT. He is a great leader, a fantastic violinist, and one of the most genuine and kind people I have ever met. The weirdness that goes on with the Preucil family, or for that matter, many executive musicians, is no revelation to people in the buisness. However, I would like to state that Steve Rose is a dynamite violinist, a caring father, and a wonderful person, and I have 2 years of first-hand experience to back it up. Anyone who has had contact with his playing will tell you that he DOES NOT need anyone's help getting a job on the highest levels, and I think it's wrong to make uneducated insinuations. Owning a printing press doesn't license slander.

Secondly, would people PLEASE leave Lexi out of this! Comment #2: Speaking as a violinist who is performing for a living, if someone handed me a job in Cleveland you better believe I'd take it. If her father is pulling strings for her, fine, criticize him. Don't attack her personally for taking an opportunity which is presented to her through no fault of her own.

Comment by Former CIM student — February 15, 2007 @ 04:09PM

Regarding Comment #8. "A woman truly vicitmized by an unwanted advance would not desire to share the incident with any and all readily available audience; she would move on with her life and try to stay as far away from the situation as possible." What gives you the right to speak for this victimized woman? "Move on with her life" ?!?! So if YOU were a victim of a crime and the criminal was "gifted" you should have no power in the situation - no option but to ignore it and let the criminal continue his ways, possibly hurting more women along the way? Kudos to this woman, for risking her career to expose this indecency, and to Meiser for telling a story everyone else was too scared to tell.

Comment by Female Reader — February 15, 2007 @ 04:38PM

What a sorry piece of "journalism" this is. It's as if the author followed some formula for sensationalistic writing. Choose a public and successful figure and slander him by quoting liberally from anonymous sources. Follow all supportive remarks made by respected figures with a "But..." and paragraphs of unsubstantiated claims. Mix in a healthy dose of irrelevant observations (He plays poker! GASP!), and oh, let's not forget the requisite hot-button issue. Sexual harassment is a serious issue, and it deserves more thorough treatment than simply quoting friends of the accuser and saying "People...weren't surprised at the idea." Don't journalism majors have to take classes in ethics?

I'm grateful to those who have commented on the way things work in the music world with regard to auditions and travel. Unfortunately, it can't compensate for a reporter who chooses to start with her own agenda and can't be bothered to do her research.

Comment by K. L. — February 15, 2007 @ 05:32PM

It is curious that the on-going situation with Mr. Preucil (and his involvement with students) is WELL known outside of Cleveland and CIM. I am located a number of States away. Perhaps not the best piece of journalism, but lets not shoot the messenger for reporting a bad situation... Ditto to #9 above! Enough is enough. What an abuse of the teacher student relationship.

Comment by Michael — February 15, 2007 @ 05:52PM

Folks, folks...does anyone remember the article in the Seattle Weekly about the Orchestra that created such a war on the comment board there? This almost humorous attempt at journalism is just a little trick to draw attention to a nobody who's trying to make themselves look like a somebody...writing outragous (but convincing to the uneducated, apparently) fiction and quoting mysteriously anonymous people. Instead of being pissed about the article, why not just save your energy - all we're probably dealing with here is someone (Miss Journalist) who can't cope with the fact that there's someoneout there (Mr. Concertmaster) who does his job 500 times better than she'll ever do hers...

...and maybe that's the case with Mr. Faculty down there too.

Comment by Mr. Anonymous Student — February 15, 2007 @ 05:54PM

Bravo to the writer Rebecca Meiser for this gritty journalism. I don't think the writing itself is Shakespearesque or Faulkneresque in any way, but we are not reading this article to induldge in the beauty of the English language.

The article serves a very good purpose in exposing apparent nepotism in this orchestra. Scandalous behavior happens in many great orchestras across this country (especially on tours). This story is the only one we've just heard about as of late.

To all the dumb union goon musicians that do not like this article: all it does is state the facts. 1) Since Bill has become Concertmaster, 3 of his family members have joined the orchestra -- one of them apparently without a formal audition. 2) Bill's daughter was sent to the next round in an audition over some auditionees -- some of whom according to other orchestral members, were superior players to her. 3) Cleveland Orchestra auditions with the screen down, to #12 most top level orchestras do in fact have a screen at auditions. The Minnesota Orchestra does use a screen except for cello auditions, which leads me to believe you are a cellist and know nothing about the violin audition process. 4) Bill himself, did not deny he hit on this female student, and settled out of court.

This question goes to the critics of the article, is it a coincidence that 3 family members of Bill (brother in law, daughter, sister) play in the orchestra? Even his firmest supporters quite frankly would have to answer "no" to that question.

I think Bill is a wonderful player and Concertmaster, however when certain people are handed power as he has been, they want more and more.

Comment by Gorda Punta — February 15, 2007 @ 06:35PM

Response to Comment #4: Do not assume to know that I or anyone close to me has not been a vicitm of an unwanted advance. "Move on with her life" is not synonymous for "get over it, big deal." Powerful/ gifted individuals ought not to be excused of indecent activities nor should they be afforded special treatement. However, it is not farfetched to consider that individuals in places of power, regarded as leaders, are often the target of merciless attacks desgned to diminish their position; attacks which are motivated by greed.
I don't claim to know with certainity the verity of any claims, as my knowledge of any events is purely heresay. I merely challenge readers to question the 'proof' set forward in this, lets face it, entertainment "news" magazine (free) before dismissing completely any of the individuals mentioned within. There are TWO sides to every story, and this report clearly EMBELLISHES only one.
The author deserves no praise. The unsubstantiated evidence and unresearched insinutations are the hallmark of a poor writer grasping at straws in an attempt to elevate her own status.

Comment by Student — February 15, 2007 @ 06:42PM

To comment #1, it does sound to me as if Bill had a relationship with this woman, he then ended it and then this lady went to the proper authorities to seek revenge to get what she wanted, and that was dinero ($$$$$$$$$$$$). Many women in this situation would back down, feeling even shamed for having been a part of such a thing. The truth lies somewhere in the middle. It is obvious that there is nepotism in this institution, that cannot be disputed.

Comment by Punta Gorda — February 15, 2007 @ 06:50PM

Response to Comment #4: Do not assume to know that I or anyone close to me has not been a vicitm of an unwanted advance. "Move on with her life" is not synonymous for "get over it, big deal." Powerful/ gifted individuals ought not to be excused of indecent activities nor should they be afforded special treatement. However, it is not farfetched to consider that individuals in places of power, regarded as leaders, are often the target of merciless attacks desgned to diminish their position; attacks which are motivated by greed.
I don't claim to know with certainity the verity of any claims, as my knowledge of any events is purely heresay. I merely challenge readers to question the 'proof' set forward in this, lets face it, entertainment "news" magazine (free) before dismissing completely any of the individuals mentioned within. There are TWO sides to every story, and this report clearly EMBELLISHES only one.
The author deserves no praise. The unsubstantiated evidence and unresearched insinutations are the hallmark of a poor writer grasping at straws in an attempt to elevate her own status.

Comment by Student — February 15, 2007 @ 06:51PM

Correction for #3:
For the sake of accuracy, Lev Polyakin has not been demoted and retains his title of assistant concertmaster.
Perhaps the writer was confused by the recent and controversial creation of a new position labeled "first associate concertmaster" ,
which would if anything impact the duties of the present associate concertmaster only.

Comment by anonymous — February 15, 2007 @ 06:56PM

Rebecca Meiser did a very thorough job of reporting on Mr. Preucil's role at the Cleveland Orchestra. It is about time someone revealed what really goes on behind closed doors!!!

Comment by anonymous — February 15, 2007 @ 07:25PM

Bravo to Ms. Meiser on a superb job of doing her job of reporting the facts. It is a shame hat people can non face reality regarding their comments. Ms. Meiser was only doing her job, and a job well done. I find nepotism to be despicable and the fact that he earns three times the average salary even more despicable. Auditions not behind screens, speaking of bias??? I think Ms. Meiser should be applauded on a job well done.

Comment by Lily — February 15, 2007 @ 07:57PM

i thought this was a very insightful article; well-written and very informative. as with all big businesses or corprorations, there's always power play, so it really wasn't surprising that the orchestra is any different. i do, however, feel that a "screen" should without question be a part of the audition process. we need to keep the cleveland orchestra what it truly is -- the cleveland orchestra.

Comment by anonymous — February 15, 2007 @ 08:01PM

To the Writer:

This article made me sick.
I'm very sorry I read it.
The writing is trash and you know it.

P.S. Is your real name Rita Skeeter?

Comment by student — February 15, 2007 @ 08:16PM

Yellow journalism.

Aside from the criticism that comes before mine, with which I largely agree, there's a greater negligence here: Cleveland is a hard-knock town, and the Orchestra is one of its only well-known assets. For the sake of a tabloid article, the author has slashed the face and tarnished the reputation of one of the most revered arts institutions in the world, also Cleveland's lone international ambassador. I'm just glad this will never see wider print.

Sure, if there were a justice to pursue here, publish the article. But adultery, nepotism, lack of ethics -- these are not news, are indeed universal problems, and cannot be resolved by crappy journalism. These are dirty-laundry problems that organizations have to address themselves. This article empowers no one and will change no administrator's mind.

If you don't love Cleveland more than your own pride, go stalk around another town and type up their trash. You're just bringing us down. There's a giant gulf between tabloid and justice, and a journalist committed to his or her city should seek to improve it through challenging discourse, not shit on it with sloppy craftsmanship.

Comment by ER — February 15, 2007 @ 09:02PM

It seems that the facts brought out by this article speak for themselves-an unusual number of family members selected,audition methods tempting bias, an undenied incident of harassment. Good journalism exposes that which may be considered controversial-and this well written article has simply by stated some thus far undenied truths. Good job.

Comment by anonymous — February 15, 2007 @ 09:18PM

Poor "Scene." The article, its advocates and its critics make this publication look like a tabloid magazine.

Comment by D to the P — February 15, 2007 @ 09:29PM

Wow - all of those people out there slamming Ms. Meiser and her article - I didn't realize Mr. Preucil had that many relatives!!! Come on folks, look at the facts. How many other major city orchestras have this many family members in it? Just a coincidence? Hello? I have thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Meiser's prior work, and she justly deserves the journalism awards she's earned. Don't shoot the messenger - do something about the problem.

Comment by anonymous — February 15, 2007 @ 09:32PM

The Music Director, not the concertmaster, chooses who wins jobs in orchestras. Orchestral experience and age are not prerequisites for winning a position in a major orchestra. The very nature of an orchestral audition is to test one's current level of playing, not to evaluate one's experience. It is often beneficial to hire a player whose style of playing is complementary to the section leader, so it is not at all uncommon in orchestras across the country for students of orchestra players to be hired as substitute players, and eventually to win jobs.

I have worked professionally with members of the Preucil family for 20 years in recitals, and as a soloist with The Cleveland Orchestra. William Preucil and Stephen Rose are both acknowledged throughout the country as outstanding artists in leadership positions. I have played chamber music with Jeanne Preucil Rose and Lexi Preucil and they are both exceptional violinists. How wonderful for The Cleveland Orchestra and for them that they can make music together. (When I say "The Cleveland Orchestra" I am referring to the orchestra as a whole, not the few embittered individuals who apparently fueled this article.)

Finally, the CIM issue is history, not news.

So what was the point of this article exactly? It has certainly succeeded in drawing attention to the author.

Comment by Jon Kimura Parker — February 15, 2007 @ 11:48PM

This is a very good article. I do not know much info about the Orchestra side of the story, but I know more than enough about the CIM side. I personally know a handful of Preucil victims. I fully understand why people do not talk publicly about this situation. He has too much power. I think there is also a deeply rooted problem at CIM, aside from Mr. Preucil himself. This institution has decided to cover up each and every one of his "sexual" situations with students. It is CIM's policy, as stated by David Cerone, that ANY situation such as this will be dealt with confidentially. Nobody knows, nobody questions, and only a few get hurt. They employ a sexual predator. It is CIM's policy that should also be judged here. For the sake of every future female Precuil student, CIM should be forced to share repeat sexual advances such as these to the student body, just as they do any other imminent safety/security threat. A one time offense is not excuseable for Mr. Preucil, but for CIM I could understand that they would not feel the need to share information with the entire student body. After a few offenses, I think the institution should take a second look at the policy of confidentiality for the respect of current and future students.

By and large CIM is an amazing institution, however it is choosing to allow a predator to hunt.

Comment by recent former student — February 16, 2007 @ 12:04AM

This article is written in poor taste. Not only do you victimize the victim yet again, you add a new victim, Bill Preucil's daughter. Why would you want her to pay for her father's ill-doing? The article would have a lot more credibility if there was actually a reliable source or factual evidence rather than heresay. As to quoting anonymous supposed "friends" of the victim: what true close friends would actually talk to the press about a truly private matter? None. Therefore, the sources clearly are not close to the victim, and it explains why some of the course of events portrayed in this article regarding the student are incorrect. Also, why all the information? Why don't you go ahead an include other unnecessary facts like what toothpaste she likes. Yea, that would help get into the psychi of the victim. Since when did you get a degree in psychology and decide to psycho-analyze her emotions both then and now? I think the National Enquirer is looking for a new reporter.

Comment by anony — February 16, 2007 @ 12:05AM

Wow--I never thought this story would be told. I think it's incredibly horrendous that this is acceptable behavior and the Cleveland Orchestra and CIM continue to employ someone with this history. He can play the violin, yes. This is not a "turn your cheek the other way" situation, though because of his ability on the violin. Musicians are paying big bucks to go to CIM and don't need to worry about a person of power or their teacher's intentions. They are there to study the violin and have him help them to advance in their careers. It is an extremely competitive business and can be very hard on one's emotional well-being--this sort of behavior that he portrays as a leader is not to be forgiven. Thank you for this article. I don't care if it seems "gossipy"--it's true. This story is based on FACTS. Now, will someone please do something about his position?

Comment by musician — February 16, 2007 @ 12:34AM

I am absoluetly, utterly sickened by this horrendous, slandering article. I know every person you have mentioned in this article- concertmaster, daughter, and "anonymous" student. About the student first of all, she is a loving, incredible woman who NEVER had a relationship with Preucil. So to anyone who thinks so, you're simply %100 wrong. The matter was taken care of and I feel for her that this was brought up in such a tasteless manner. This reporter did nothing to protect the victim.
Now, onto Lexi. She is a kind-hearted person who never in a million years deserved this slander. She is not a member of The Cleveland Orchestra. She does play as a substitute which last time I checked was not against any rules, especually since she did so well in the last audition.
And finally, Bill Preucil might slouch when he leads this world class orchestra, but he is not C shaped! My point is that this article is indeed total gossip and this reporter took legend and rumor and found ways to misquote and slander innocent people. If her goal was to speak ill of William Preucil, she failed. All people come away with in this article are thoughts of lexi and the student. I believe fiction writing would be a much better suited career choice.

Comment by anon — February 16, 2007 @ 01:07AM

Jon Kimura Parker said, "Finally, the CIM issue is history, not news.
So what was the point of this article exactly? It has certainly succeeded in drawing attention to the author."

Jon how can you be so blase about this whole situation. If it was your daughter would you feel the same way and say it "is history" and we should just move on and not realize this man could perhaps be a predator? The author of this article doing Cleveland and perspective CIM female students a service. Jon I think you are a big hypocrite that wants to score some more points with the Preucils if they read your shit posting and have them recommend you for another gig. Everyone can spot a brown noser a mile away - you are a genuine fool. Just shut up and go practice your piano.

#2 the whole point of bringing up "Lexi" is to point out the apparent nepotism in this orchestra. Anyone with trained ears who has heard her knows she is a mediocre at best violinist. There are tons of 14 year old Korean kids that play circles around Lexi. Lexi is in the Cleveland Orchestra for the same reason her aunt is according to the Assistant Concertmaster Lev Polyakin; because she is a Preucil and no other reason.

Comment by Curtis violinist — February 16, 2007 @ 01:08AM

If the writer meant to bring discontent among the musicians of one of the greatest musical institutions on our planet, she underestimates the musical integrity of the musicians of The Cleveland Orchestra. One reason The Cleveland Orchestra is as great as it is, is because the Music Director, and the Music Director alone, has the responsibility for maintaining the greatness of the ensemble, not a group of anonymous musicians casting anonymous votes for an anonymous player behind a screen. The great orchestras - whether it be Szell's Cleveland, Ormandy's Philadelphia or Stokowski's NBC - were all formed the same way. Can you imagine a football team being formed by the teammates voting on who should play?

Comment by anon — February 16, 2007 @ 01:57AM

Although what you say in the article may have some validity - and I know it does - choosing to present it in such a way does nothing to help the credibility of your story. One of the first rules of journalism is being honest and telling the story in an accurate way, and you're clearly more interested in sensationalism, relying on anonymous quotes and concervatory gossip to fuel the fire. Shame on you for ruining your chance.

Comment by CIM Alum — February 16, 2007 @ 02:46AM

Anon don't compare the Preucil family orchestra to the NBC Symphony. It takes some nerve to do that. You sound like an absolute idiot. This is not the same Cleveland Orchestra that had Josef Gingold as Concertmaster and George Szell as Music Director; it is a far cry from that my tone deaf friend.

The article is all facts -- if you can't take the heat get out of the kitchen. The article was written with consent from the student who was harassed by Bill. Some of you musicians are too thick to realize this girl might want to stay anonymous so insensitive and biased people like you and the Preucils don't vote against her at competitions and auditions. Think about that for a moment, it's people like you who need to conduct auditions with the screens down, because you'd rather hire a family member than a more highly qualified candidate who plays in tune. The proof is in the pudding.

There is a shitload of more highly qualified candidates than Jeanne Preucil and Lexi. As I stated before, there are 14 year old Asian kids that play better than any Preucil including Bill. He should watch out, no one is invisible, there's going to be some hot shit violinist that comes along and plays 10x better than him, and the music director might want to hire that person.

To sum it up this is precisely why the Boston Symphony, and the LA Phil will be much superior ensembles for many decades to come due to this current regime in Cleveland. Time for a new Concertmaster for the Cleveland Orchestra.

Comment by Curtis violinist — February 16, 2007 @ 03:17AM

Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? These are serious accusations, yes, but I in fact know every single person named in this article, and see misquotes and slanderous hearsay. Rumors as the basis of a journalistic article? True or not, such writing benefits in fact nobody. Serious issues of course must see the light of day. Who wouldn't like to be judged by anything other than substantiated facts? It is alarming how this is degrading into a witchhunt and how people are delighting in this matter. I see that people are alternately applauding and decrying the writer and the writing. Who cares? It has nothing to do with the fact that this matter cannot be resolved without real answers. All sorts of people come here claiming to know the "100% truth, the REAL FACTS." How do we really know? These are people's lives we are talking about. Jumping to conclusions? Innocent until proven guilty. Let the law decide.

Comment by A concerned CIM student — February 16, 2007 @ 04:01AM

I think it is horrible that such obvious sexist behavior is still evident, especially in a cultural environment where I personally expect more from the individuals involved in the profession. I understand artist perseive themselves as invincible because of the talents they may bring to the world, but this discrimination should not be tolerated let alone be rewarded by his large salary or regonition given by local and academic communities.

Comment by Coreyann — February 16, 2007 @ 04:15AM

From Atlanta to Cleveland there have been no mysteries about Mr. Preucil's tendancies. They are well know in the music world but always have been hidden from the general public. So FINALLY, finally, they are out, so be it. The arts are being destroyed today by greed, power, sex and mismanagement. I don't care how well Mr.Preucil plays, music does not need such power abuse. Let Mr. Preucil pursue a solo career and let him put his family and sweethearts with blown dryed hair on the cover of his solo records. Get him out of arts institutions already struggling for quality. Stop protecting people like him and save the institutions. Finally let us come to our senses and side with the little man, the lonely honest musician who has the courage to expose it.

Comment by professional musician — February 16, 2007 @ 04:22AM

Wow...i had no idea how tense things were in the orchrastra...i was going to comment about the story told until i saw all the comments posted after the fact...yikes...some seem very concerned that such an individual would be in such high power when obviously has issues when it comes to respecting women...i guess that sentence shows my opinion is with the article...but it seems as though there is already tension between the orchestra members and CIM...it's a shame that more people are not concerned about the future well being of female students working to gain an education, but instead are more concerned with the furtherment of there own professional careers or public opinions of their organization. How selfish.

Comment by Coreyann — February 16, 2007 @ 04:26AM

As a fan of The Cleveland Orchestra for decades, I'm concerned by these serious accusations. There is obviously some truth to them, and for the good of the orchestra, must be taken seriously. The response from orchestra management reminds me of the catholic church. Is any concertmaster so brilliant that he is worth risking the reputation of the ensemble on? As far as the "screenless auditions" that supposedly are evidence of the C.O's excellence, well that hangs all on the quality, knowledge and integrity of the music director. Obviously George Szell knew how to hire players and was very definitely influenced by no one. Can the same be said about Mr. Möst? The players that made up the 1965 Cleveland Orchestra were of an entirely different breed than todays musicians. Is there enough care and real knowledge being brought to the audition process, or can a weak music director be influenced or manipulated by his players? If the Cleveland Orchestra really wants to be competitive with its former self and stop riding on its glorious past, it needs to stop being so defensive and start asking itself some real questions. Cleaning up is part of that course.

Comment by Cleveland Orch. fan for decades — February 16, 2007 @ 04:54AM

The Cleveland Orchestra has been my favorite orchestra for so many years. I have delighted in its musical excellence and incredible legacy in recordings. I, however have to aknowledge to you that the quality of the playing has gone down. Cleveland used to show
how well it could play even under an average guest . Today second rate conductors are engaged, the playing has suffered and honestly, I even wonder about the choice of its appointed music directors in the recent years. In reading this article I was somewhat appalled that all was kept secret of Mr. Preucil's abusive conduct for so long. One of our best institutions, the CIM being at the heart of it. I, for example thought that Maestro James Levine's ( however famous) should have been let go at the MET in New York upon proof of pedophilia . There is no excuse for management to allow that kind of conduct ever, and it certainly has no place in education. Great artists are NOT exempt of responsability. But it strikes me that the reason why this article came out now is because Mr.Preucil is also manipulating the audition process and therefore threatening the quality of the Cleveland Orchestra. Should this be a fact, I would have to undoubtedly side with the musicians who are courageously breaking ranks and trying to protect the musical integrity of the ensemble. Management should be impressed by them and not by the likes of Mr. Preucil.

Comment by A concertgoer — February 16, 2007 @ 05:35AM

Gary Hanson, start listening to your public!!! The great Cleveland Orchestra is in disarray. How about that? Get the hint and get a strong music director so we can start hearing and talking about great music not these petty repercussions of weak leadership.

Comment by a subscriber — February 16, 2007 @ 05:51AM

This article should be used to induce vomiting in hospitals. I really am shocked at how horribly bad it is. Of course we're all talking about it, and sensationalism was clearly the motive of the moron who wrote it, and the little birds who sang in his ear. The Cleveland Orchestra is full of arrogant and self centered musicians eager to proclaim over and over that they are the greatest orchestra in the world so it is no surprise that this kind of hubris and abuse of power exists there. Everybody in our field knew about this stuff before this article, its nothing new. Cleveland's got a pretty good orchestra, the concertmaster likes young women, he gets paid a lot, what a shock.

Comment by Orchestra Musician — February 16, 2007 @ 09:40AM

This article is absolutely ridiculous. Not only is it full of lies about Bill, the slander on his daughter is just horrible. I have had the opportunity to hear Lexi play, and she is absolutely amazing. The orchestra is lucky to have her sub with them. As far as the auditions go, it is the music director who chooses, and him only. Lexi got as far as she did because the director thought the way she played would be well suited in the orchestra. This is how all major orchestras work; If you go to their institution, you have a much higher chance of getting into that orchestra simply because you have been trained in that style.
As for the accusations against Bill, they just make me sick! I have been around Bill a lot, and never have I, or anyone I know, felt that way about him. He is an amazing man, concertmaster, friend and father, who would never do a thing like that. I do not know the details on the case, but it seems to be like the way CIM dealt with it was the best way. While the claims seemed pretty obvious it was misunderstanding, siding with the person filing the claims is the respectable thing to do, and Mr. Preucil is a respectable man. So why is he now being critisized for it? Gossip is awful, and has turned everything into a great mess. People who like to gossip can ruin their own lives, but they have no right to come in and do this to such an amazing family who has never done anything to deserve this. They have done so much for the music world, and this is how they are thanked? Luckily, the people who know the truth are far greater than the ones making up these nasty lies.

Comment by Student — February 16, 2007 @ 10:14AM

Mr.Preucil's friends and enamoured students should shut up. They are making fools of themselves.

Comment by Reader — February 16, 2007 @ 10:23AM

Bravo to the author for this necessary article. Bill Preucil is a pig. He plays like a pig and acts like a pig around women. He also acts like a pig with respect to his duties in the cleveland Orchestra - with his salary exceeding that of other concertmasters who ARE indeed more committed (spending more than 12 or 13 weeks a year in their jobs) and exhibit more professionalism and fairness in dealing with their colleagues. His playing is cheap - I stopped listening to the Cleveland Quartet after hearing a concert where he slid around the violin like a pig and showed no understanding for the style and structure of music by Beethoven and Schubert. Having participated in many leading music festivals during my student days at the Curtis Institute and Juilliard School, there was always much discussion about Preucil and the overt nepotism shown in the hiring of his brother-in-law and sister for the orchestra. Steve Rose is a fine player, Jeanne Preucil-Rose is not. I do feel sorry for Lexi; she is a confused and emotionally complex young woman, most likely as a result of her father's behavioral example. Also, I personally know women who have been vicitimized by Preucil either verbally, or in two cases, physically. Is that not completely inappropriate? All of the "former" and "anonymous" CIM students need to immediately detach their lips from Preucil's anus and ask themselves, "Would George Szel have allowed this pigsty in his orchestra?

Comment by Kaiser sozay — February 16, 2007 @ 10:48AM

curtis violin all you have done in this forum is insult first class pianists and other respected musicians. You should worry yourself about giving curtis a bad name. I strongly suggest you get out of this forum, or at least start using language that is more appropriate than calling someone an "idiot." Go back to 1st grade.

Comment by anony — February 16, 2007 @ 10:58AM

Kaiser, If anyone has the right to comment on this article it is the students of the people involved.

Comment by student — February 16, 2007 @ 11:02AM

Regarding comment #25, you have to think about this. Think hard here...Preucil DOES make 3X the average of concertmaster in orchestra. Sure, the top five orchestras will be close in salary, but average...(average is the KEY word here) in orchestras in the USA. I would say go to the Adaptistration website written by Drew McManus. He just did a compensation report on concertmaster salary. You will witness, with your very own eyes, the salary 'average' and the other top paid concertmaster salaries. It also has music director, average player salary and executive director pay as well.

Comment by Jamie — February 16, 2007 @ 11:04AM

Daniel Majeske was most certainly not a womanizer and he was beyond a doubt committed to The orchestra, but lets not forget that there was a time when, if a candidate was a Born Again Christian, it certainly could help tip the scales at an audition when it came to his or Bob Vernon's input. This power abuse is not new, but it's not right either. But in the end, where is the real blame? Whose letting this stuff happen. A fish stinks from the head. Kaiser may be crude but he's right. George Szell would never had allowed this crap in his Cleveland Orchestra.

Comment by orchestra musician — February 16, 2007 @ 11:17AM

I don't know anything about this. I've read this article and heard the rumors as well from various individuals. There are lots of opinions on the matter(especially here in this comment section). I think the Cleveland Orchestra is a great orchestra. I think Preucil is a ridiculous player and concertmaster. CIM's a good school.

What happened with Preucil and this female student is unknown. Everyone is of course welcome to assume whatever they would like. If you are an attractive female student interested in studying with Preucil, perhaps think twice. As for what goes on in the orchestra, why don't we leave that to the orchestra musicians. Auditions for Cleveland Orchestra? If you think its unfair, don't audition.

Comment by Another Reader — February 16, 2007 @ 11:23AM

To the canaries of the Cleveland Orchestra, Keep singing my friends!!! It's about time for this well known song gets sung. YOU ROCK!!!

Comment by a professional musician who doesn't have Polyakin's balls — February 16, 2007 @ 11:42AM

From a lawyer's point of view, your problem seems far more complicated than Mr.Preucil's behaviour. It is being allowed!

Comment by Barbara — February 16, 2007 @ 12:22PM

To Jamie (the current #4), At your recommendation, I just visited the Adaptistration website to view salaray comparisons. According to the website that YOU recommended, the average concertmaster salaray is $185,651 and Cleveland paid Mr. Preucil $370,154. I'm sorry, I went to CIM so I'm good at the violin, not math, but please explain to me just exactly HOW that is 3 times as much. Go ahead, I'll wait here.

That being said, this article is pretty much a farce. Wake me up when something newsworthy happens.

Comment by Alum — February 16, 2007 @ 12:28PM

It is fitting that for once this over-rated orchestra is being exposed for what it really is: a private club for debateably talented, arrogant egomaniacs where music making is secondary to philandering and backstabbing.

Comment by orchfan — February 16, 2007 @ 12:33PM

It looks like even this third-rate rag is making the orchestra more well known...I guess enquiring minds want to know!

Comment by lol — February 16, 2007 @ 12:37PM

Let's take a look at all of these comments: all of the professional musicians below (bar one out-of-the-loop individual) are hardly surprised by this behavior, and supportive of an article (albeit without tabloid sensationalism) shedding light on what's happening at Severance and CIM. His students are standing by him til death...hypocrisy, if you ask me.

Let's clear up the matter, and replace the two people running the orch currently without integrity with others.

Cheers.

Comment by a violin soloist — February 16, 2007 @ 12:38PM

Considering that Maestro Welser-Möst's contract extends many more years and considering that the Cleveland Orchestra management and Artistic Director could not address this issue and put their heads in the sand we could have a disaster on our hands. As a member of the paying public I would be outraged.
Sincerely,

Comment by Cleveland orchestra fan — February 16, 2007 @ 12:59PM

As a symphony orchestra conductor and an educator I find Mr. Pruecil's actions reprehensible. One act of nepotism, especially at a time when excellent musicians in America are having such difficulty finding decent employment, is one too many -- to say nothing of the four such acts he has arranged. One act of sexual involvement with a student is one too many in any circumstance. Officials at CIM and the Musical Arts
Association should condem him in a public manner. Also, the person who wrote that Lev
had been demoted is simply wrong. There has not, nor should there have been,any such
demotion. This matter of attempting to shift blame sounds much like President Bush
and his underlings as they attempt to justify their illegal actions.

Comment by anonymous — February 16, 2007 @ 01:09PM

Enjoyed reading the well-written article by Rebecca Meiser. I think her purpose was to inform the reader. I always enjoy her colorful use of language. I recently read in Newsweek that more and more orchestras are choosing people by using screens.

Thanks to all the one-sided comments from the anonymous students!!

Comment by Sheila — February 16, 2007 @ 01:13PM

I was shocked at Susan Schwartz's comments in your article. What about the needless harming of a student? I would expect management of any university to protect me from such abuse. The Board of Directors of CIM and of the Cleveland Orchestra should take the matter to heart.
Sincerely,
Susan

Comment by Susan-violin student — February 16, 2007 @ 01:16PM

"I am missing you (..) This is due not only to your superb artistry, but to your attitude towards your work, which is part of this artistry, to your artistic responsibility, discrimination, and sound self criticism..." - George Szell, September 27, 1962, to the members of The Cleveland Orchestra.

I guess Mr. Preucil would not have made it.

Comment by music lover — February 16, 2007 @ 01:37PM

Well..I am not surprised to hear all the information about the auditions and unfair screening policies. As a violist, I am amazed at how many of Bob Vernon's, (Principal Violist), students have been given spots in the viola section..and right out of school!

At the last viola audition, my resume was denied for a SECTION AUDITION..I couldn't believe it, as I have alot of experience, and have been playing in professional orchestras for many years, including some of the countries top orchestras..plus I had just been invited to audition for principal viola of SanFrancisco Symphony. Why do they even bother to advertise these viola spots, I thought. Yes..that orchestra has the worst reputaion for rigged auditions!

Comment by Jennifer Ries — February 16, 2007 @ 02:15PM

Hi Dear Ones-


Thought you might be amused???

Outraged?????


Sue-how is your mom doing in her new home.

Love, to you both and Simon

Comment by Jenny and Bo — February 16, 2007 @ 02:23PM

I think that the only good thing to come out of this article was a rehasing of painful times for the people involved. In effect, all this article has done is make Bill Preucil the sacrificial lamb. The music world is full of people who take advantage of others, and all the this article has done is bring one man down at expense of his family, and cast stones on a good conservatory trying to produce quality students. It should have been left alone.

Comment by anon — February 16, 2007 @ 02:41PM

Anon, you are a moron.

Comment by mélanie - musician — February 16, 2007 @ 02:44PM

Jennifer Ries's comment is interesting coming from a professional musician who tried to play for The Cleveland Orchestra. Of course nepotism and corruption are everywhere and have been for a long time. Power corrupts, right? But this is the tip of the icerberg. Maybe a while back more talented people were at the helm, which provided us until yesterday with a legacy of competent artists, well... before the arts became a business and before anything could sell if packaged right. It's all over folks, we have to get ready for Mac orchestras, Mac soloists, Mac auditioners and instrumentalists, Mac managers and it is not pretty! It seeems to me that there are still some players in the game, dedicated young people who would drop everything to go anywhere in the world to play in an orchestra and nepotism should not harm them. Would Fritz Reiner, George Szell, Arturo Toscanini have a career today ? If they discriminated they left us with more talent!!This is why and what we have to ask ourselves and Cleveland, CIM and the Cleveland Orchestra might be the right place at the right time for the shit to hit the fan.

Comment by Helen — February 16, 2007 @ 04:15PM

Shame on you, David Cerone. The parents paying for the dinner on your table have put their daughters in your trust and you have allowed them to be playthings for those to whom you kowtow. Likewise to the artistic directors of the Cleveland Orchestra for so obviously allowing nepotism in the string sections. It's been well known for years by students and professional musicians across the world that one must either be a Preucil or be a Vernon student to be guaranteed entry to the violin and viola sections of the Cleveland Orchestra. Denying the facts and "keeping matters confidential" may be the good ol' boy tradition but doesn't help anyone in the end. What goes around, comes around. Thank you, Rebecca Meiser, for bravely daring to tell the truth. Hopefully some long-needed purification will occur in both institutions.

Comment by anonymous — February 16, 2007 @ 05:19PM

ADDENDUM..After re-reading my comment, I wanted to add a couple of thoughts...I remember when I received word from the Cleveland Orchestra that I wasn't invited to audition..well..I was angry..but it wasn't because I thought..well surely I would win if given a chance..as all of us in this business know..auditions are a crap shoot, and there are many factors involved..but there is one thing for sure..if you are going to take an audition like that you have to have the goods, and work your butt off..and for many people you have to spend money for travel and lodging. I think my anger was more focused on the empathy for musicians who pay their union dues, work their butts off..play gigs where they are underpaid and overworked..and who have shall we say.."paid their dues" in this business..why should they do all that only to lose an audition to someone who has ..shall we say been groomed for the job, (the audition) by their teachers..I mean..you would think a great orchestra like Cleveland would want the best musicians..musicians who have something to say in their playing, and who have EXPERIENCE..It seems that doesn't count for anything anymore in this field..plus we all know that hearing someone playing excerpts by themselves to judge whether they would blend well in an orchestra..well..it just doesn't work..and on all the audition comittees I have been on..I never felt like I could get the information I really needed.

And as far as Mr Prucil's inappropriate behavior..well..innocent until proven guilty..but if there is any evidence that this did happen, (which I hear through the musical grapevine..there is)..shame on you CIM!

Comment by Jennifer Ries — February 16, 2007 @ 05:32PM

Responding to the current #15, Yes, the average ICSOM concertmaster doesn't make 3 times, but there are still the ROPA orchestras to consider (something even a CIM Alum violinist who can't do math should be able to figure out.) The recommendation to go the the website was probably meant to make a point to the person who said:

"The fact that he makes 3 times the average is bogus. His salary from the orchestra, was in the 360,000 range in 2002-2003. Strad magazine just did a report on it. And it was very similar to that of the other top concertmasters. Either this reporter is so dumb she cant due math, or just a liar. Frankly, i am of the opinion that she is both. And the reason he makes more then the average concertmaster is because he is a whole hell of a lot better."

I believe this person was trying to find the 3X salary among the top tier orchestra concertmasters.

Either way, this is not the point. The point is abuse of power, not salary.

Comment by Will B. — February 16, 2007 @ 05:53PM

Some good comments here and some very naive ones.
I don't take pleasure in this kind of publicity of my alma mater or the orchestra I enjoyed as a student. I have most of the information I need to make my own judgements from what I have heard from reliable sources and what I gathered as a student at CIM in the late 90's.
One thing I want to say is that I don't think it is possible to question the integrity of principal violist Robert Vernon. Some of you have a problem with his students winning jobs in his section in Cleveland, but do you also have a problem with his students that win jobs in Boston, New York, Detroit, Saint Louis, Minnesota, and Chicago? Nearly every major orchestra in the country has a former student of Vernon's in their viola section. The only problem people have with Bob Vernon's students is that they are good.

Comment by anon CIM grad — February 16, 2007 @ 06:07PM

To say that Steve Rose got his job because of Preucil is an outrage...Mr. Rose is a gem of the Cleveland Orchestra...

Comment by john — February 16, 2007 @ 07:08PM

..Responding to the recent posting by anon CIM grad..I don't think anyone has problems with Bob Vernon's students..or even his integrity as a teacher..In fact I have many friends who have worked with him..and I have played for him as well, and really enjoyed it..but again.. it's an abuse of power in the audition and hiring process..that is where there is a lack of integrity...and for you not to see that..well, I think that is pretty naive.

Comment by Pro Violist — February 16, 2007 @ 07:11PM

Having been the recipient of unwanted advances from a teacher at, yes, another conservatory, I am disappointed in CIM. In my case as well, everything was hush-hush, and the teacher never worried about any repercussions. Lets be fair. In a university situation, these teachers would have been given 1 hour to pack their things. Its time to end the double standard.

Comment by musician who's been there — February 16, 2007 @ 07:29PM

The Cleveland Orchestra, not just Mr. Preucil,is well known to many musicians for choosing exclusively from its own students; I have heard from several people that auditions are not conducted in a fair manner. One could easily debate that this system is valid for maintaining the excellent standards of an orchestra. One needs look no further than the Vienna Phil. to see the truth of this. What sticks in the craw, however, is the hypocrisy of an institution that claims to have open and fair opportunity for all QUALIFIED candidates to gain employment and membership in such a famous and well paying institution. If they had the you-know-whats like the Vienna Phil. to be honest about their hiring procedure, many young,aspiring and excellent musicians would not waste their time and money auditioning there.

Comment by Ivan — February 16, 2007 @ 07:41PM

Jennifer Ries: Were you groomed by your teacher to do anything besides complain? Apparently not.

Comment by musician — February 16, 2007 @ 09:09PM

Well..at least I have the courage to sign my own name when voicing my opinion..

Comment by Jennifer Ries — February 16, 2007 @ 09:45PM

wow he tried to tap it? shorty wasnt havin it tho...

Comment by Bubkis Johnson — February 16, 2007 @ 09:45PM

I would like to state that Bill Preucil does harass his female students. I personally know some of these girls and what they went through. So, to all of you who think that this article is filled with just rumors you are unfortunately mistaken. I'm not saying that I think the article is well written or anything, just that, as far as his ongoing sexual misconduct is concerned, it is true.

Comment by former student — February 17, 2007 @ 12:25AM

Does anyone here know Bubkis? (see below)

Comment by Jim W. — February 17, 2007 @ 02:05AM

In reponse to Ivan.
It is not possible to compare The Cleveland Orchestra to the Vienna Phil. Why?. Vienna, sure does hire its own but... it is a complete unique orchestra. They have their own instruments which gives them a totally unique sound. Noone outside of Vienna plays the Wiener pumping horn for example, the oboes are drastically different and the strings are their own sets of instruments which you are expected to play if you are chosen to join the ensemble. It is a phenomenal orchestra that has maintained its traditions, including up until very recently, not hiring women ( a painful birth! ), and they are superb in a very limited repertoire. I can guarantee you would be less than impressed to hear them play Petrushka, but of course as far as Brahms, Bruckner etc.. they are at home and it is indeed great.
Cleveland or any other american orchestra have other sets of demands. The requirements for musicans to join Vienna, I can assure you, are based solely on whether the candidate adheres to their Viennese musical traditions, and not because they are a Born again Christian or related to the concert master! So if you don't play in these traditions, yes, there is no sense to apply for an audition there. But concerning Cleveland what's your claim? If you are not Born Again or related to the concert master, as you say, " don't waste your time and money auditioning there " ?

Comment by Helen — February 17, 2007 @ 04:16AM

Yes, and what if you're a woman who strongly adheres to 'The Vienna tradition'?

Comment by anon — February 17, 2007 @ 09:49AM

As a kid I was transported by the magic of the Orchestra and hugeness of Mr. Szell.....I am totally appalled now at reading so many of these comments. Are the charges true? Has anybody in charge investigated. How about the boards of the two institutions? How about those charged in the local, state and federal offices charged for years to protect the vulnerable from harrassments outlined in the article? What seems clear here is that invective flies as retro attitudes about the very human tragedies outlined go uninvestigated by so many for so long, or not? This array of comments sounds like the bad old days in both civil rights and sexual harrassment days when there was no protection and the victims were morphed into the perpetrators. It would seem fairly easy under laws at all levels which do actually still cover those in Cleveland as well as the rest of the country, should be applied, the facts tested, and results fall as they must: Innocent or guilty, no matter the stations of those involved. Even President Nixon learned that nobody in the great country should or can be above the law. It is hard to believe that those who write about this or are quoted or are to frightened to be quoted are being treated in the ways being expressed here.
As a Clevelander and great admirer for years of the World Class Cleveland Orchestra this orchestra can survive the truth no matter where it may lay. Letting all this fester will, as so many have found out in many other circumstances over cause, just make the inevitable conclusions and consquences all the worse especially for the Orchestra and its aura, forever.

Comment by disappointed — February 17, 2007 @ 10:00AM

It was reported to me last night that Bill had to sell his Strad for $600k to pay the settlement with the student mentioned. I'm sure this would have been mentioned if the writer had really dug deep.
On the other hand, unscreened auditions and some of the other inequities are through union contract agreement. Evidently not unpleasant enough for either side to want to rassle with. I'd guess that if Bill had harassed a Musical Arts Association employee, things would have been different. The facts are that it was a CIM student. Of course, the two institutions are joined at the wallet and the whole thing doesn't pass the smell test.
MAA and its management rule from the top down. Lesser employees are assumed to be lesser humans. Upper ranks defend themselves regardless of legality or morality. Like a certain religious organization I could name. There is no quarter given, no thanks or apology.
Gary Hanson believes himself to be a genius, which must be true if he was given his exalted position. He was the less-than-successful marketing manager with a pleasant demeanor, but is certainly no businessman. He will never, ever return a disagreeable email or letter and will punish any underling who sends one. He pays an announcer in NY to do his radio commercials. The man's manner is pompous, the voice of doom from the death star, telling how stuffy and unfriendly the orchestra experience is. Why would anybody want to respond to that challenge?
And after this affair with beloved Bill has been exposed, how many more listeners will be lost?

Comment by orchlover — February 17, 2007 @ 10:07AM

TO HELEN I can't believe that for a minute you can imagine that the Cleveland Orchestra has less of a sense of tradition than Vienna does. And do you really think that every member of the orchestra is Born Again or related to the Concertmaster? Must be a big family.

Comment by musician — February 17, 2007 @ 10:54AM

I am a member of the Cleveland Orchestra, and I was there when Jeanne auditioned (yes, she did) and when Steve auditioned. Both went through far more rigorous auditons than most do precisely because we have no screen and precisely because they are related to BIll. But they won because they deserve to have won. Committees and the man in charge (in both cases it was Dohnanyi, actually)
NEED to be discrminating and are. What the article doesn't state is that Bill's daughter lost an audition for the orchestra (she subs occasionally now, and does NOT have a permanenet position) to someone who is not related to anyone. Or that Steve auditioned 3 or 4 separate times to win his position. Or that Polyakin couldn't possibly quote Bill's behavior on those auditions, because he was a candidate, and therefore not present. Should Bill be more careful with female students? Of course. Does this article actually state definitively anything that happened with that student? No. (And, wasn't there a settlement? What does that mean?) Is the orchestra still a bastion a of culture, one of the few great ones in the world? Of course. Our "dark sides" (which this article points out without meaning to, for those who can read between the lines, also include bitterness and buck passin at not having one's own way) have nothing to do with our creative output.
Also: we teach so that we can train students to do what we do, in any orchestra. It's no wonder that we train people in our own style, and are attracted to that sort of playing in auditions. Screen or no screen, experience having freelanced in hack jobs, or not, we'd hear that.

Comment by CO musician — February 17, 2007 @ 11:26AM

Let us not forget that this is a tabloid. Open half the pages and find adult advertisements.

Comment by A reader — February 17, 2007 @ 11:37AM

I never said Cleveland did not have it's own traditions, I said it had a different set of demands. Since the Cleveland Orchestra does not require that its players use instruments that are exclusively made in Cleveland or taught only in Cleveland, it makes it vastly different from the Vienna Philharmonic, which has a much smaller pool of players to choose from. Of course not everyone in the Cleveland Orchestra is a born again christian, and if they were they wouldn't be related to Bill Preucil! The point being, these criterias are outside of the musical domain. Playing the Wiener horn is not. I do not believe you understood anything of my answer to Ivan. Maybe you haven't been an orchestra musician for 30 years like I have, but I can assure you after sitting on many audition committees, there are always some players who try and use non-musical reasons for engaging their students and friends. A REAL MUSIC DIRECTOR doesn't let it happen, and that is the problem in Cleveland.

Comment by Helen — February 17, 2007 @ 12:16PM

Thank you to the CO musician for clarifying several points. We are professional musicians from another major ensemble who have enormous respect for your orchestra. However, your organization does have a bad rep for hiring from a select group of musicians. It would be much "cleaner" for everyone involved if the CO instigated a screen during the preliminary round of auditions. Those who are committed to griping and complaining will have less ammunition, and those talented musicians who happen to be re