A former teacher at Chetham's School of Music in Manchester has been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a 15-year-old pupil. The 65-year-old man is suspected of indecent assault and attempted buggery of the girl in the late 1970s.
He was arrested on 26 June as part of Operation Kiso, an inquiry into historic sexual abuse at Chetham's and the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM). He has been bailed until 24 September pending further inquiries, becoming the third man arrested in the investigation.
In February, violinist Wen Zhou Li, a tutor at both institutions, was arrested on suspicion of rape. He denies the charges and has been suspended. His bail was extended until 26 July. In May, Duncan McTier, 58, professor of double bass at the Royal Academy of Music in London, was arrested at his home over the alleged indecent assault of a woman in 1994 when she was a pupil at the RNCM. He was bailed until August.
Operation Kiso began after the conviction of Michael Brewer, former director of music at Chetham's, for sexually abusing a pupil. His victim, Frances Andrade, died by suicide after giving evidence. Her family urged other victims to come forward. The judge noted the case had prompted scrutiny of such behaviour.
In May, it was revealed that 39 music teachers had been identified as potential suspects, with 10 being proactively investigated. More than 30 women have alleged abuse by music teachers.
