The lawyers representing the former conductor of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra have released a statement alleging that the longtime musical director was terminated abruptly and without merit after directing a concert that allegedly fell outside of the organization鈥檚 鈥渃lassical roots.鈥�
The statement from Rosemary Thomson鈥檚 legal team at FH&P alleges that the former director鈥檚 employment termination was prompted by allegations stemming from a recent concert that featured guest performers who represented Indigenous culture.
In the letter, Thomson stated that the unique concert featured the improvisatory (sic) traditions of Indigenous culture. She said that the performance allegedly fell outside the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra鈥檚 鈥渃lassical roots.鈥�
Thomson said that the allegations that she is facing from the symphony are 鈥渨ithout merit,鈥� and that she plans to pursue legal action.
READ MORE: Community expresses displeasure with Okanagan Orchestra conductor termination
However, on Dec. 13, the Okanagan Symphony Society board of directors released a statement rebutting Thomson鈥檚 allegations.
Society president Judy Burns said 鈥渢he board is in a challenging position as the information currently being shared publicly represents a partial perspective of the situation and understandably creates questions.鈥�
The Okanagan Symphony Society alleges that it had cause for terminating Thomson鈥檚 contract and that the board of directors consulted experts before making the decision.
The society also said that it will not be releasing additional information regarding Thomson鈥檚 termination to protect the privacy of those involved.
The orchestra will be employing guest directors for the remainder of the 2023/2024 season.
Thomson had been employed by the symphony for more than 16 years and had planned to retire at the end of the season. On Dec. 1, she was told that her position was terminated and the public became aware of Thomson鈥檚 firing after an internal email intended for members of the Okanagan Symphony Society was released on Dec. 6.
Following the news, fans of Thomson created a petition to re-hire the musical director on change.org.
