The New York Philharmonic has decided to terminate the employment of principal oboist Liang Wang and associate principal trumpet Matthew Muckey. This decision was made effective September 21, 2025, after the musicians’ union chose not to contest the move, which comes amid renewed claims of sexual misconduct and abuse of power.

Both Wang and Muckey initially faced termination in September 2018 due to allegations stemming back to 2010. A grievance filed by Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians led to an arbitrator’s ruling in April 2020, which reinstated them. Recent reports by New York Magazine highlighted these allegations, resulting in both musicians being placed on paid leave as they subsequently initiated legal action against both the orchestra and the union.

Steven J. Hyman, representing Muckey, defended his client, stating, “Matt Muckey has done nothing wrong.” He criticized the orchestra’s actions as violations of Muckey’s rights, expressing dismay that the union agreed to this outcome. Hyman emphasized that this undermines the vital tenure rights that musicians rely upon to secure their positions within the philharmonic.

Meanwhile, Alan S. Lewis, representing Wang, expressed his condemnation of the union’s decision, calling it “shameful.” He raised concerns about the orchestra’s approach, describing it as a process of public character assassination rather than one of justice. He also noted that the most serious allegation against Wang involved an individual outside the orchestra with whom Wang had a consensual relationship over a decade ago, declaring other allegations as untrue.

Following the allegations, the orchestra engaged Tracey Levy of Levy Employment Law to conduct an investigation. Ultimately, the orchestra issued a letter of non-re-engagement on October 15, attributing their decision to new accusations. Muckey contended that the report from New York Magazine merely reiterated the accusations from 2010.

According to the orchestra’s labor contract, notice of non-reengagement must be provided by February 15 prior to the corresponding season. Although both musicians had the right to contest their termination, the orchestra noted that the decision was based on what was deemed “appropriate” under the collective bargaining agreement, as opposed to a “just cause” standard.

An internal committee consisting of nine members was formed to review the dismissal. The orchestra management reported that Levy informed them that a majority of orchestral members opposed Wang and Muckey’s return, prompting a unanimous recommendation to the executive board of Local 802, the union representing the musicians.

Sara Cutler, president of Local 802, communicated via email to the orchestra members that the union had chosen not to arbitrate the terminations. She planned to send a detailed written explanation to the members to address any concerns regarding the process.

Acknowledging frustration stemming from the perceived lack of transparency, Cutler stated, “While I understand the frustration, we believe that protecting the integrity of the process and the confidentiality of all involved outweighed the need for transparency in this instance.” Both Muckey and Wang have been integral members of the orchestra, with Muckey joining in June 2006 and achieving tenure in January 2008, while Wang was appointed principal oboe in September 2006.