James David Christie

James David Christie (born 1952) is an American classical organist and teacher. Until accusations of sexual misconduct emerged in August 2018, he was Chair and Professor of Organ at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Distinguished Artist in Residence at the College of the Holy Cross, and College Organist at Wellesley College. He has been a frequent organist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra since 1978, and has made several commercial recordings. Former employers include Boston Conservatory of Music, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, and Boston University.

Findings of misconduct On August 23, 2018, The Boston Globe published an article describing decades of Christie's alleged sexual misconduct at College of the Holy Cross, soon after five former students jointly wrote to the college president, calling Christie "an imminent danger to students on your campus." As one graduate summarized the pressure for scholarship students to tolerate the misconduct: "He's the best organ teacher in America, and he could destroy your dreams." Christie was quickly suspended by Holy Cross and Oberlin, and he resigned from both colleges as they began internal investigations. He also "discontinued his services" at Wellesley, and the AGO revoked his "International Performer of the Year" award.

The Oberlin investigation concluded: "There is evidence that Mr. Christie in all likelihood grossly abused his position of trust and violated Oberlin College's Discrimination and Harassment Policy, Sexual Misconduct Policy, and professional code of conduct." The Holy Cross investigation concluded: "Mr. Christie has been found responsible for multiple violations of the College’s prohibitions on sexual harassment and misconduct."

Selected recordings The 1985 Taylor & Boody Organ – College of the Holy Cross (JAV) Sweelinck: Organ Works (Naxos)