New York’s Metropolitan Opera has suspended its long-term conductor James Levine as accusations of historic sexual abuse continue to mount against him.
Four men have now come forward alleging that Mr Levine, who stood at the helm of one of the world’s greatest opera houses for four decades, had sexually abused them, the New York Times reported.
Mr Levine, 74, retired as the Met’s musical director last spring but was named its director emeritus and has conducted several productions this season.
Peter Gelb, general manager of the Met, told the newspaper on Sunday that it had decided to suspend its relationship and cancel his forthcoming engagements – including a New Year’s Eve performance of Puccini’s “Tosca” – after learning of the accusations.
