During two brief interviews with the Globe, Zander said that school officials have fired him and he defended his decision to engage Benjamin as a private contractor, noting that the videographer was convicted for committing sex crimes nearly 20 years ago, and asserting that he has never re-offended.
“It’s a tragedy, an absolute tragedy that I’ve been fired for an absolute nothing,’’ Zander said. “He’s done nothing for 20 years,’’ he added. “He’s been blameless for 20 years.’’
Carol Goodman, a New York employment attorney retained by Zander, also criticized conservatory officials for cutting the school’s ties to Zander.
“Mr. Zander has not engaged in any conduct that would warrant termination,’’ she said.
Asked whether it was appropriate to retain the videographer to tape the performances of young people, Goodman said that Benjamin “never did anything wrong or inappropriate’’ while working with the youth orchestra and that, “to the best of our knowledge there have never been any more charges.’’
Goodman declined to say whether Zander is considering taking legal action. “We need to understand all of the facts and review all of our options and reserve all of our rights,’’ she said.
Benjamin, 68, did not return calls for comment. In 1994, he pleaded guilty to raping a boy and lesser sexual abuse charges involving two other teens. He was sentenced to 11 to 15 years at MCI-Cedar Junction in Walpole, with all but five years suspended.
Zander, 72, has served as a marquee faculty member at the conservatory for more than 45 years and as the conductor of its Youth Philharmonic Orchestra for more than three decades.
Zander is also the music director at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts, in Natick, which is affiliated with the conservatory, and the conductor and founder of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra.
Frank Tempesta, the board chairman at the Boston Philharmonic, did not return a call to his home last night. Goodman said the Philharmonic has not contacted Zander.
