A highly respected violin professor is now at the center of a disturbing court case, as a young musician has come forward with allegations of sexual assault.
The trial, currently unfolding at Southwark Crown Court, has put a spotlight on the prestigious Royal College of Music, where the alleged incident took place.
Alleged Assault During Violin Lesson
According to the prosecution, 66-year-old Jan Repko was instructing an 18-year-old violinist when he allegedly groped her in the middle of a lesson.
Standing behind her as she played, he reportedly unfastened her trousers and assaulted her before asking, “How did that feel?”
The teenager, overwhelmed and frozen with shock, later confided in her mother and the police, initially downplaying the nature of the assault due to feelings of shame and embarrassment.
Victim’s Initial Hesitation to Speak Out
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the young woman was hesitant to disclose the full extent of what had happened.
She first told her mother and police that Repko had only touched her bottom.
It wasn’t until later, when speaking with a friend, that she admitted the violation had been more serious.
The friend encouraged her to report the incident, but the young musician feared speaking out against such an influential figure in the classical music world could harm her career.
Prosecution Outlines Disturbing Details
Prosecutor Nneka Akudolu, KC, described how the student had misinterpreted Repko’s initial question of “May I?”—believing he was referring to adjusting her posture rather than initiating unwanted physical contact.
As she continued playing, she said she felt his breath near her ear and his hands moving across her body.
When she made an error in the music, she froze.
Repko then reportedly invited her to sit down and asked how she felt, to which she simply replied, “Uncomfortable.”
The prosecution emphasized how unsettling it was that Repko behaved as if nothing inappropriate had occurred.
Repko Denies All Charges
Repko, originally from South Africa and a well-known instructor at multiple prestigious music institutions, has strongly denied all allegations.
In police interviews, he dismissed the accusations as “absurd” and argued that anyone could have walked into the room at any moment.
He also claimed that the young woman appeared friendly and relaxed when they parted ways at a tube station following the lesson.
The Impact on the Music Community
This case has sent shockwaves through the classical music world, given Repko’s long-standing reputation.
He has taught at elite institutions such as Chetham’s School of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.
His career includes performing internationally and co-founding the Netherlands Youth String Orchestra.
The Royal College of Music, where the alleged incident occurred, boasts a history of legendary alumni, including composers like Gustav Holst and Ralph Vaughan Williams.
Trial Ongoing
As the trial continues, the court will hear further testimony and examine evidence that could determine the outcome of this high-profile case.
Many in the classical music community are watching closely, as the verdict could have lasting implications for both the accused and the institutions involved.
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