The SWR Orchestra has announced that no complaints were found following an internal investigation into its Music Director Designate François-Xavier Roth’s sexual allegations.

The orchestra said that the SWR set up an internal audit committee to investigate whether there had been any misconduct by Roth towards members of the SWR orchestras and noted that the commission consisted of members of the legal department, human resources department, and orchestra management.

The audit covered the years 2011 to 2016, when Roth was chief conductor of the SWR Symphony Orchestra Baden-Baden and Freiburg as well as the years 2020 and 2022, when he was a guest conductor with the SWR Symphony Orchestra. However, after detailed work, no complaints had been made in SWR.

The orchestra noted that to ensure a safe working environment in which musicians can work freely and develop their art the SWR and Roth agreed on regulations that are intended to rule out any future misconduct.

SWR program director for culture, knowledge, and young formats Anke Mai said, “After careful examination and many trusting discussions with the musicians in the orchestra as well as with François-Xavier Roth, I am convinced that we have made a decision that is in line with the values ​​of the SWR corresponds. These values ​​include trust, respect, and human interaction. Sexual assault, any kind of discrimination or abuse of power have no place in SWR and will not be tolerated. I ensure that people at SWR can work without fear and have trust in their superiors. But it is also important to me that people are given a second chance if they admit wrongdoing and draw conclusions from it. I have great confidence in François-Xavier Roth, that he recognizes and lives the values ​​of the SWR and that we can go down this path together.”

Roth added, “I am aware that in the role of chief conductor, I have a special responsibility towards all members of the orchestra. I realize that I have made mistakes in dealing with musicians in the past. This was inappropriate. However, it was never my intention to hurt anyone in any way. I understand that I did not live up to the expectations placed on me and would like to take this opportunity to apologize to all those whom I have hurt and disappointed. I have been working on myself with external help for some time now. Since I stopped conducting work, I have dedicated myself even more intensively to this personal development and improving my leadership style so that such mistakes will never be repeated. I would like to thank the SWR for the open and trusting exchange over the last few weeks. It is my declared goal to ensure that all orchestra and management employees have a safe working environment that is characterized by a positive atmosphere for everyone. I will do everything to ensure that our shared creativity and love of music are at the center of our work and are made to shine through the SWR Symphony Orchestra.”

Roth was accused of sexual assault and harassment earlier in May. In a report by Le canard enchainé, seven musicians accused the conductor of sexual harassment, while one woman accused him of sexual assault. As a result, Roth announced that he would refrain from conducting.

Roth is set to become the new Music Director of the SWR Orchestra beginning in 2025.