Conductor withdrawn from Barbican concerts amid harassment claims 

Planned appearances by French conductor François-Xavier Roth with the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) have been withdrawn amid allegations the 52-year-old sent inappropriate text messages to musicians he worked with.

Instead, Thomas Adès will conduct the two concerts scheduled at the Barbican in October, with the LSO thanking the British composer for “stepping in”.

Following publication of sexual harassment allegations by the French investigative magazine Le Canard enchaîné in May 2024, Roth also suspended his work with the Gürzenich Orchestra and Cologne Opera to give them “the chance to clarify and address the situation”. 

He said at the time: “Due to the release of a news article pointing out that I have sent inappropriate text messages to musicians in the past, the orchestras I lead will be extensively investigating the behaviour cited and collecting information on the allegations.” 

“I have decided to stop conducting the Gürzenich Orchestra temporarily in order to permit a peaceful investigation of these matters. I apologize to anyone I may have offended.”