NY Philharmonic CEO abruptly resigns following investigation into orchestra’s culture
The CEO and president of the New York Philharmonic orchestra has abruptly stepped down after just one year in the job, following an independent investigation into the orchestra’s workplace culture.
In a statement to The Post on Thursday afternoon, co-chairmen Peter W. May and Oscar L. Tang announced the New York Philharmonic Board of Directors has accepted Gary Ginstling’s resignation, effective immediately.
“The New York Philharmonic is an extraordinary institution, and it has been an honor to be a part of it. However, it has become clear to me that the institution needs a different type of leadership, and I have tendered my resignation,” Ginstling said in a written statement.
“I wish incoming Music and Artistic Director Gustavo Dudamel, the musicians, the board, the staff, and everyone associated with this organization all the best for its future.”
The Post has reached out to Ginstling and the NY Philharmonic for comment.
Ginstling’s resignation comes after a sex-assault scandal involving two players rocked the philharmonic.
The orchestra’s associate principal trumpet, Matthew Muckey, and principal oboist, Liang Wan were fired from the orchestra for sexual misconduct but then allowed back before being dumped for a second time over a 14-year-old rape allegation, which they have both denied.
Ginstling became President and CEO of the philharmonic in July 2023, having spent a prior period of eight months as the orchestra’s executive director.
“The Board of Directors very much appreciates the commitment and work that Gary has contributed to the NY Phil and wishes him all the best for the future,” the Board added.
The Philharmonic said it would assemble “a transition leadership team” that includes the chairmen of the board, along with with Deborah Borda – who previously held the role from 2017 until last year.
Both Muckey and Wan are suing the philharmonic and the musicians’ union Local 802 after being ousted for the second time in four years.
They had been investigated and lost their jobs in 2018, during the MeToo movement, but got their seats in the orchestra back in 2020 after their union took up their cause and won a binding arbitration.
In April, the alleged victim spoke in detail to New York Magazine, which prompted outrage among other players, some of whom refused to perform alongside the pair.
Ginstling responded by suspending Mackey and Wan with pay, and announced a fresh investigation into the orchestra’s “culture” by an outside attorney.
In the article Cara Kizer, 44, a former horn player with the Philharmonic, accused Muckey and Wang of drugging and raping her in their rented condo in Vail, Colorado, during the 2010 Bravo! Vail Valley music festival.
Muckey, 39, and Wang, 44, both denied the charges. Muckey told Vail cops he and Kizer had consensual sex. The local District Attorney chose not pursue charges, citing a lack of evidence.
Muckey and Wang later sued for breach of contract and requested their jobs back, alongside unspecified damages, according to federal lawsuits filed May in the Southern District of New York.
Ginstling’s departure also comes as the orchestra’s musicians and the administration continue heated talks over a new labour contract.
The players are seeking substantial wage increases. Their current agreement expires in September.
