Solsona suspends this year's edition of AIMS until the accusations against its director are clarified

BarcelonaThe Solsona City Council and the AIMS Foundation, led by cellist Peter Thiemann, have announced the suspension of the 25th edition of the international festival, scheduled between August 1st and 15th, as reported by the ACN. The decision comes after El Periódico published the complaint by three former students of the Liceu Conservatory – where Thiemann was a professor until last year – accusing him of harassment. In a joint statement, the two institutions affirm that the suspension is the "most appropriate" measure to preserve the trajectory and values of the Academy. Thiemann has also temporarily stepped down from his position as councilor in Castellar de la Ribera while the facts are clarified. So far, no complaint has been filed with the police or the judiciary.

According to information published in the newspaper, the former cello professor at the Liceu Conservatory of Music has been accused of sending nude photos to two girls during their academic relationship and later. Furthermore, one of them and a third woman claim they were touched inappropriately in the professor's car. The events date back a decade, and the professor has been out of teaching at the Liceu Conservatory for a year.

In a joint statement between the City Council and the Foundation, they emphasize that the festival has contributed to projecting Solsona internationally as a center for training and musical excellence with students from all over the world. Additionally, they highlight that the "pioneering" model in Catalonia has promoted cultural decentralization, the promotion of young talents, and access to music for vulnerable groups. With 24 years of trajectory, the Solsona International Music Academy has established itself as an international benchmark for classical music. Last year, it brought together nearly a hundred students and programmed 31 concerts in Solsona and various municipalities in Solsonès, Bages, Moianès, and Alt Urgell.

Peter Thiemann has also decided to temporarily step down from his position as Councilor for Culture and Finance of the Castellar de la Ribera City Council, in the north of Solsonès, while the facts are clarified.