Something rotten in Denmark: sexual assault, harassment, bullying and abuse in the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra
By: Katelin Coleman
Tags: Classical Music, Metoo, Misogyny, Sexual Assault

UPDATE: Sebastian Stevensson has taken to Facebook to post “his version” of events. You can view my response (as well as the full contents of his post) here.

While employed by Danmarks Radio Symfoniorkestret, I was repeatedly sexually assaulted by SEBASTIAN STEVENSSON, current principal bassoonist in the DRSO and teacher at the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music in Copenhagen. Sebastian has never shown any indication whatsoever of remorse toward me for his actions against me.

Following my repeatedly refusing his advances, Sebastian Stevensson’s behaviour became increasingly aggressive, ultimately culminating in an unmistakable sexual assault followed by regular verbal, sexual and psychological abuse. When I reported Sebastian to the union representative of the orchestra, I was informed that I was not the first person to report him for sexual abuse of power. I am making public Sebastian Stevensson’s name because I have serious concerns for the safety of his current female colleagues and students, or any other musicians over whom Sebastian Stevensson has held — or will hold — a position of professional power.

Sebastian Stevensson never received any punishment, despite having not denied my allegations, according to the DRSO’s administration. After I pushed the administration — and my colleagues — to handle the situation appropriately, my previously renewed contract in the DRSO was not renewed again. My residence permit in Denmark was tied entirely to my job in the DRSO at the time; thus, I was forced out of the country. My position, for which I had auditioned, was quietly filled by a male student with, to my knowledge, no audition held.

In response to Sebastian Stevensson’s abuse I reported him to the orchestra’s union representative, the Danish Musicians’ Union, the orchestra administration, the Danish police, the Ombudsman for Danmarks Radio, and to the Danish Workplace Safety Authority (Arbejdstilsynet). I have the documentation from each of these reports, as well as witnesses who accompanied me to meetings and can attest to the developments of my case as they took place. Audun Halvorsen and Ole Kristian Dahl (among others) have known about my allegations since 2015. In spite of the fact that my allegations are well known by many musicians at the DRSO and elsewhere, Sebastian Stevensson continues to be promoted as both a player and a teacher.

My intention in sharing this information is to hold Sebastian Stevensson accountable for his actions, to protect his potential future victims from harm, and to call Director KIM BOHR and the DRSO administration to action in the face of an unsafe working environment brought about by Kim’s negligence and willful enabling. As of this writing Sebastian Stevensson has yet to be held to account, and the numerous accounts by other musicians in the attached article strongly indicate that the DRSO continues to be a toxic and dangerous workplace environment.

This Danish news article references the story of my experiences, and those of 7 other people within the DRSO, of sexual assault, harassment, and bullying. Screenshots of the English translation of my story are attached, but I encourage you to translate and read the whole article for yourself.

If you have experienced sexual harassment or assault by Sebastian Stevensson, or anyone in the professional music industry, understand that you are not alone. Please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am here for you, and I will respect your confidentiality.

https://www.information.dk/indland/2020/11/musikere-fortaeller-hverdag-sexchikane-mobning-dr-symfoniorkestret?lst_frnt&fbclid=IwAR1VWvUd4cfHMHdRH1b3ja0T6UM0eRlnSrbUNoN8nRJPpMEHqgBnUInGiGs

NB: There are a few very funny, strange translations:

“He nev me in the ass” = “He pinched my ass”

The part where it says “He asserted that his confession had been obtained through torture and that his confession had been obtained through torture. Information has seen the text message.”, it actually reads:

“ “I have been hitting hard on you, but I only did it because I knew you would be strong enough to decide what is best for you,” he writes. He goes on to say he was “ok” with the conclusion, and hoped that Katelin was too. Information [that’s the name of the news publication] has seen the SMS.”

There’s also a part where it says “musician Katelin Coleman invited him to watch a movie”, which is an unfortunate translation of “the musician [Sebastian Stevensson] invited Katelin Coleman to watch a movie”.

The term “cross-border” is a Danish term that refers to behaviour which “crosses the line” (especially in reference to workplace sexual harassment or bullying).

Lastly, it translates “playing” to “game” a few times, which is actually rather cute.