In the late 1980s, Idit Arad, a promising 18-year-old opera singer from Israel, ventured to London to pursue her dreams at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Armed with a scholarship and a passion for classical music, she was ready to embark on a journey towards a successful career. However, instead of nurturing her talent and fostering her growth, Arad found herself ensnared in a web of abuse by a tutor two decades her senior, Paul Roberts.
From the outset, Roberts began singling out Arad, showering her with obsessive attention that quickly escalated into a disturbing pattern of abuse. What started innocently enough with invitations for coffee and dinner to discuss her talent soon spiraled into a barrage of explicit letters and coercive demands for sexual intimacy. Despite senior leadership being aware of the inappropriate relationship, no action was taken against Roberts, leaving Arad feeling vulnerable and betrayed.
Over three decades later, Arad has finally broken her silence, shedding light on the traumatic experience she endured at Guildhall. Following her formal complaint, the school has issued a long-overdue apology for its failure to protect her. Roberts, a respected concert pianist who remained on staff for 30 years, was eventually suspended in 2021 pending an internal investigation prompted by Arad’s allegations. The findings revealed that his behavior constituted gross misconduct, leading to his resignation and the revocation of his fellowship.
Arad’s courageous decision to come forward has sparked a reckoning within the classical music world, highlighting the pervasive issue of misconduct and abuse plaguing music institutions. Drawing from her own harrowing experience, she advocates for better safeguards to protect students from predatory behavior by those in positions of authority. Her call for mandatory training on safeguarding for teachers and increased awareness among students aims to prevent future incidents of abuse and empower victims to speak out.
### Seeking Justice and Healing
Arad’s musical journey began in her native Israel, where her exceptional talent caught the attention of renowned singing teacher Vera Rózsa. Through a series of serendipitous events, she found herself studying at Guildhall under Rózsa’s tutelage, only to have her dreams shattered by the exploitative actions of Roberts. The emotional toll of the abuse left Arad on the brink of despair, struggling to reconcile her passion for music with the trauma inflicted upon her.
Despite the challenges she faced, Arad persevered and eventually severed ties with Roberts, carving out a successful career as a professional singer. However, the scars of her past lingered, hindering her progress and casting a shadow over her personal and professional life. It was not until decades later, prompted by introspection and the rediscovery of long-buried letters from Roberts, that she found the courage to confront Guildhall and seek justice for the injustices she endured.
### A Call for Change in the Classical Music World
Arad’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of young musicians in the face of abuse and misconduct within music institutions. Her advocacy for comprehensive safeguarding measures and increased awareness underscores the urgent need for reform in the classical music world. By sharing her experience and demanding accountability, she hopes to empower others who have suffered in silence to come forward and seek redress for the harm inflicted upon them.
As Guildhall School of Music and Drama grapples with the fallout of Arad’s allegations, the institution has pledged to prioritize the safety and well-being of its students through enhanced safeguarding protocols and a commitment to fostering a culture free from harassment and abuse. While the road to healing may be long and arduous, Arad’s resilience and determination stand as a beacon of hope for a future where aspiring musicians can pursue their dreams without fear of exploitation or harm.
Arad’s journey serves as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of trauma and the transformative power of speaking truth to power. In her quest for justice and healing, she embodies the resilience of the human spirit and the unwavering resolve to confront injustice and pave the way for a safer, more equitable future for all.