Silent Orchestra: Cleveland's famed orchestra tries to quiet its critics

So, after approximately 47,657 comments were posted in response to Scene’s controversial February 14th story “Sour Notes” about unfair auditions, nepotism, and sexual harassment at the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra, orchestra leaders have decided finally to respond. How? By demanding orchestra members stop writing to us. Here's their recent memo:

Dear Colleague: In the wake of the recent negative publicity surrounding our orchestra we are writing to you to strongly advise a course of collegial conduct. Please refrain from talking with members of the media and posting on blog/comments boards in such a way as to put the orchestra in a negative light. These actions only serve to blemish the reputations of ourselves and the orchestra and to supporters, fellow musicians, and audience members. While some of us may feel dissatisfaction with the way internal manners are handled, going to the media to try and address our grievances only serve to add to problems, nor solve them.”

Of course, this doesn’t mean the orchestra believes in censorship. Not at all. It just means that they “need to be proactive in searching for positive solutions that enhance, not destroy, the reputation of the orchestra and its members.” Right. -- Rebecca Meiser