The New York Philharmonic has released a statement regarding allegations against Matthew Muckey and Liang Wang and has opened up an independent investigation.

In a statement President and CEO, Gary Ginstling said “The details revealed in the New York magazine article are horrifying to me personally, and, while not yet a year into my tenure as President and CEO of the New York Philharmonic, I am deeply concerned about not only the specifics but broader issues of institutional culture.”

He continued, “therefore, I have taken the following immediate steps: 1. At my direction, the Philharmonic has engaged Katya Jestin, co-managing partner of the law firm Jenner & Block, to launch an independent investigation into the culture of the New York Philharmonic in recent years. Katya has extensive experience handling sexual misconduct investigations and related matters involving extremely sensitive interviews. I am empowering Katya to look at everything and to leave no stone unturned, including any new allegations as they are reported. I pledge to share the recommendations with our board, our staff and our musicians as well as with the general public. More details on the process will be coming shortly.”

“2. For the time being, musicians Matthew Muckey and Liang Wang are not being assigned to any Philharmonic activity as we work through this process, and a decision about their future with the New York Philharmonic will be made in due course.”

Finally, “3. The New York Philharmonic is preparing to seek changes to its audition and tenure review policies and procedures to provide more transparency, oversight and equity to the process. We look forward to working with Local 802 and our musician colleagues on these changes.”

The news comes after the two players were put on leave of absence following the New York Magazine article detailing alleged sexual misconduct. According to the New York Magazine’s expose, Muckey and Wang drugged and raped horn player Cara Kizer. In 2018 the New York Philharmonic tried to fire both Muckey and Wang but was forced to rehire the musicians after the union challenged their dismissal. In 2020, an independent arbiter found that Muckey and Wang had been terminated without cause.