A second student accused Daniels of sexual assault, and brought civil lawsuits against both Daniels and the University of Michigan, in October 2018.
(meta data) TITLE: SF Opera removes David Daniels from production amid sexual assault allegations | Datebook (meta data) AUTHOR: Joshua Kosman e-edition Classical Music # SF Opera removes David Daniels from production amid sexual assault allegations Heidi Stober (left) as Atalanta, David Daniels (center) as Arsamenes and Lisette Oropesa as Romilda in Handel's "Xerxes" at San Francisco Opera. Photo: Cory Weaver The San Francisco Opera has dropped countertenor David Daniels from its June production of Handel's "Orlando" in the wake of sexual assault allegations made against the singer, the company announced Thursday, Nov. 8. "The decision to part ways with Mr. Daniels, for business and professional reasons, was reached after considerable deliberation given the serious allegations of sexual assault, an ongoing police investigation and a lawsuit filed against the American opera singer," according to a statement from the Opera. In August, a young singer, baritone Samuel Schultz, accused Daniels and his husband, conductor Scott Walters, of having drugged and raped him in 2010. A second accusation followed in October, when Andrew Lipian, a student at the University of Michigan — where Daniels is on the voice faculty — sued both him and the school over an alleged sexual assault. Daniels, who is currently on leave from the university, has denied both accusations. "While these situations remain under investigation, San Francisco Opera is unable to present the artist on the War Memorial Opera House stage," said the company's statement. David Daniels (left) as Arsamenes and Susan Graham as Xerxes in Handel's "Xerxes" at San Francisco Opera. Photo: Cory Weaver 2011 Daniels' removal is the latest in a series of consequences to befall prominent musicians who have been accused of sexual misconduct. Most recently, the Cleveland Orchestra fired two high-profile members — longtime concertmaster William Preucil and principal trombonist Massimo La Rosa — over allegations that they had sexually harassed female colleagues and students over a period of years. In December 2017, the San Francisco Symphony severed its longstanding ties with conductor Charles Dutoit after four women accused him of sexually assaulting them. Daniels' scheduled appearance in the role of Medoro would have been his sixth engagement at the Opera since making his company debut in 1998 in Monteverdi's "L'Incoronazione di Poppea." Since then he has appeared in four operas by Handel: "Giulio Cesare," "Rodelinda," "Xerxes" and most recently, in 2014, "Partenope." The company said it would announce a replacement for Daniels at a later date. Joshua Kosman Joshua Kosman Joshua Kosman is The San Francisco Chronicle's music critic. Email: jkosman@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JoshuaKosman Your weekly guide to Bay Area arts & entertainment. ## More In Classical, Music ## More In Classical, Music Review: Young singers with a depth of talent in Merola Grand Finale By Joshua Kosman SF Opera cancels Plácido Domingo concert after sexual harassment allegations By Joshua Kosman When will opera stop treating women as sacrificial lambs? By Joshua Kosman Review: 'Threepenny Opera' stumbles and sags at West Edge By Joshua Kosman Review: 'Breaking the Waves' tells dark, operatic tale of faith, degradation By Joshua Kosman ## More In Classical, Music Review: A queer-themed 'Orfeo ed Euridice' stumbles at West Edge Opera By Joshua Kosman Review: Ruth Bader Ginsburg is celebrated in song at Cabrillo By Joshua Kosman Review: Operatic souls go wandering in 'If I Were You' By Joshua Kosman ## Related Events Datebook Pick Sunday, 1:30PM Opera in the Park Robin Williams Meadow Sunday, 2:00PM SF International Piano Festival Finale Herbst Theatre $40 Sunday, 3:00PM Verismo Opera Bay Terrace Theater $20 – $30
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David Daniels (countertenor)
Career.:Sexual assault allegations.
In the fall of 2018, Daniels was placed on leave with the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance after allegations of sexual assault were made by a student in August 2018.