The Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) announced it will launch an independent, third-party investigation into historical sexual abuse allegations dating back decades.
Survivors have recently come forward with accounts of abuse allegedly occurring when they were children and young adults at the institution in the 1970s and 1980s.
Music teacher Lusiana Lukman accused former instructor Boris Berlin of sexually abusing her when she was 15. Berlin, a famed pianist and Order of Canada recipient, died in 2001.
The conservatory stated it has been “deeply shaken” and acknowledges others may come forward with similar accounts.
Board Chair Tim Price said, “We have heard the calls for action clearly... and we are committed to responding with transparency.” Vice-Chair Rayla Myhal added, “We have not been hiding behind silence but deciding on a path that will bring meaningful action.”