Opera conductor accused of bullying claims he is victim of age discrimination
Opera conductor accused of bullying claims he is victim of age discrimination The Telegraph
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A Renowned Opera Conductor Accuses National Opera Studio of Age Discrimination
A renowned opera conductor, Mark Shanahan, is claiming to be a victim of age discrimination after being accused of bullying at the National Opera Studio. The allegations against Shanahan include “intimidating, bullying, and possibly discriminatory” behavior towards young musicians. Other staff members and coaches at the studio have also raised complaints about his conduct to the chief executive.
The National Opera Studio, which works with the UK’s leading opera companies, dismissed Shanahan after an investigation found that his behavior went against the institution’s code of conduct. Shanahan, who has been praised for his conducting skills in the past, is now suing the studio for age discrimination and unfair dismissal.
Alleged Complaints
Shanahan began working as head of music at the National Opera Studio in 2010 but was dismissed in 2021. The studio, responsible for training approximately 12 singers each academic year, acknowledged Shanahan as an internationally recognized conductor and coach. However, Emily Gottlieb, the chief executive, stated that there had been a number of informal complaints about Shanahan’s behavior during his employment.
Employment Judge Alison Frazer noted that Gottlieb believed these complaints formed a pattern of intimidating, bullying, and possibly discriminatory behavior, which contradicted the organization’s Code of Conduct and values.
The National Opera Studio has trained notable singers such as Wynne Evans and Peter Auty, and collaborates with leading opera companies in the UK. The studio’s training program aims to create an environment that closely reflects the professional opera world.
Concerns over Use of Pronouns
Gottlieb held a meeting with Shanahan in March 2021, during which she referenced George Floyd and the Me Too movement. The meeting minutes indicated that Gottlieb was trying to convey that society now calls out certain behaviors. Shanahan was questioned about a concern raised regarding his use of pronouns towards a young artist in training.
Shanahan, who denied the allegations of bullying, claimed that the pronoun issue was resolved to everyone’s satisfaction. However, during the meeting, Shanahan asked about the possible outcome, and Gottlieb suggested that he may have to leave the organization on more favorable terms than dismissal without pay.
Following the meeting, Shanahan was suspended and an investigation was launched into the complaints of bullying, intimidating, and possibly discriminatory behavior. The investigation also examined conduct and behavior that could potentially bring disrepute to the studio.
On September 3, 2021, Shanahan was dismissed as a result of the investigation. He has now initiated legal action, alleging that the investigation was an attempt to manufacture a purportedly fair reason for dismissal. The full hearing for his claims will take place later this year.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
The issues highlighted in the article include allegations of bullying, discriminatory behavior, and age discrimination in the workplace. These issues are connected to the broader goals of achieving gender equality, decent work and economic growth, and reducing inequalities.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
- Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value
- Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status
The allegations of discriminatory behavior and age discrimination in the workplace align with the targets of ending all forms of discrimination, achieving decent work for all, and promoting social inclusion.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
No specific indicators are mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets.
The article mainly focuses on the allegations and legal proceedings related to the issues discussed, without providing specific data or metrics to measure progress.
4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
| SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities | Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status | No specific indicators mentioned in the article |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: telegraph.co.uk
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