In the world of orchestras, the beauty of music often masks the challenges faced by its performers. Aline Sam-Giao, CEO of the Liège Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, shares her insights on addressing moral and sexual harassment within orchestras, emphasising the need for safe working environments. She delves into her experiences and the ongoing efforts to create a culture of respect and accountability in the performing arts.
Understanding the Context
Aline Sam-Giao has been at the forefront of addressing critical issues in orchestras, especially concerning harassment. With a rich background in the arts, including her previous role at the Lyon Auditorium and Orchestra, Aline brings a wealth of experience to her position in Liège. She emphasises that while the orchestral environment is often seen as prestigious, it is not immune to societal problems like bullying and harassment.
The Importance of Awareness and Training
During her conference session at Classical:NEXT, entitled “Orchestras as a safe working place”, Aline discussed the necessity of raising awareness about harassment in orchestras. She noted that after implementing training programs in France, cases of harassment began to surface more frequently. “As soon as the employees were sensibilised, cases started to rise,” she explained. This acknowledgment is crucial as it reflects a shift in culture where individuals feel empowered to speak up about their experiences.
Aline’s Approach in Liège
Upon arriving in Liège, Aline faced a unique challenge: there were no existing frameworks for addressing harassment in the orchestra. “There had been no training,” she noted. In response, she initiated a working group with professionals from various performing arts sectors to create training resources and a declaration of good intentions for organisations. Aline’s proactive approach demonstrates her commitment to fostering a safe and respectful work environment.
Engaging the Younger Generation
Aline has observed a generational shift in attitudes towards harassment. Younger musicians often have a greater awareness of these issues, thanks in part to the discussions stemming from movements like #MeToo. Aline shares, “When I talk to older generations, it’s painful for them because they sometimes don’t understand what they did wrong.” In contrast, younger musicians appreciate the open dialogue about violence and harassment, feeling relieved that these topics are addressed by management.
The Need for Resources and Support
One of the critical aspects of Aline’s mission is the establishment of resources for handling harassment cases. She advocates for a network of trained legal professionals to assist organizations in navigating these complex issues. “It becomes really technical when you have to treat a case,” Aline stated, highlighting the intricacies involved in ensuring justice for all parties.
Looking Ahead
As the conversation around harassment in orchestras continues to evolve, Aline envisions a future where every organization has robust tools in place to combat these issues. Her hope is that in a few years, the need for such discussions will diminish as organizations become more equipped and proactive.
Aline’s dedication to creating safe working environments in orchestras reflects a broader societal shift towards accountability and respect. By fostering awareness, providing training, and engaging in open discussions, the performing arts community can work towards ensuring that musicians can thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Key Takeaways:
1. Addressing harassment in orchestras is a pressing issue that requires awareness and training.
2. Initiatives that demonstrate a commitment to creating safe spaces for musicians are essential for everyone to feel looked after.
3. Engaging younger generations in conversations about respect and accountability is crucial for cultural change.
4. Establishing resources and support systems for handling harassment cases is essential for organizational integrity.
Watch the full interview here.