#larastjohn

[globeat-music]

GloBeat Plays Violin Music. To listen stream from https://www.mixcloud.com/jgueron/globeat-plays-violin-rebroadcast/ Enjoy violin music played by #SarahChang #FerencSanta #TchavoloSchmitt #MontanaYoung #LaraStJohn #StephaneGrappelli #ItzakPerlman #AnnaSophieMutter #ClaudewChaloub #JashaHeifetz #JayUngar #TasminLittle #FernandoSuarez #TarafDeHaidouks and more! https://www.instagram.com/p/CPcKEcmhknj/?utm_medium=tumblr

[brodskycurtis]

Social Media Responses to Recent Allegations Against The Curtis Institute of Music

The Philadelphia Inquirer recently published several bombshell articles (1,2,3) focusing on sexual assault allegations against long-time violinist and Curtis teacher Jascha Brodsky.  Social Media has responded strongly to the incident. Here are some of those responses.

[brodskycurtis]

Curtis Institute of Music Fails #metoo Opportunity to Listen

In 1986, when she Robert Fitzpatrick, who was at that time the dean of The Curtis Institute of Music, that she had been abused, he mocked her, she recalls.

“ ‘Oh, for God’s sake, who do you think they’re going to believe? Some 15-year-old kid or someone who has been here for decades?’ ” St. John, 48, remembers him saying. “And I agreed with him totally. They wouldn’t believe me.”

33 years later and The Curtis Institute of Music is still unwilling to listen to Lara’s accusations that renowned violinist and Curtis teacher Jascha Brodsky sexually assaulted her when she was his student. Whether the institute is attempting to safeguard Brodsky’s reputation or the institute’s own, is unclear.  If a school of such prestige can hide behind the power of its name and donors, with out a full investigation then what chance does truth have? If a bestselling renowned artist with a Juno Award and a national media platform can be simply shutdown, what chance does anyone have at justice? What message does this tell to survivors of sexual violence? Especially since the school is making a calculated attempt to discourage alumni and student families from talking to journalists or about the subject on social media.

[brodskycurtis]

Curtis Institute of Music Requires Social Media Silence from Alumni, Parents, and Students in Response to Sexual Misconduct Claims

Here is a copy of the chilling letter that Particia K. Johnson, Senior Director of Communications and Marketing for The Curtis Institute of Music, sent out to alumni, parents, and students as reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer here:

From: "Johnson, Patricia" Date: July 25, 2019 at 6:23:06 AM EDT   To: Undisclosed recipients. Subject: Philadelphia Inquirer Article Dear Curtis Alumni, Earlier today, The Philadelphia Inquirer published an article online about an incident that was alleged to have occurred at Curtis in the 19805. This article will also appear in print this Sunday July 28. We assure you that Curtis is committed to the safety, security, and well- being of our students, staff, faculty, and audiences. We do not tolerate assault or harassment of any kind and are proactive in efforts to create a safe and healthy campus environment. Copies of current Curtis policies, handbooks, and other safety documentation is available upon request. If you are contacted by journalists for comment on this story, please refer them to me. 

If you have any alumni-related questions, please don't hesitate to contact. Additionally, out of respect for all those involved, we request that you refrain from discussing this matter publicly, online, or on social media. 

Sincerely, Patricia

Patricia K. Johnson, Senior Director of Communications and Marketing, Curtis Institute of Music 

Instead of encouraging possible victims and witnesses from coming forward, this letter has a chilling affect. Donors, sponsors, and the board of directors at The Curtis Institute of Music should all be concerned about what picture this draws of the schools ethics.