Saskatoon symphony conductor suing musicians
Last Updated: Wednesday, August 22, 2007 | 5:48 PM CT
CBC News
The conductor of the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra is suing some of its musicians, saying they accused him of abuse, stalking musicians, working under the influence of alcohol and intentionally sabotaging performances.
In a statement of claim filed with the Saskatchewan Court of Queen's Bench on Aug. 17, conductor and artistic director Douglas Sanford said he was defamed in a union report that was sent to the American Federation of Musicians and the Saskatchewan Arts Board.
He's seeking more than $200,000 in damages, claiming his reputation has been seriously damaged and he has suffered distress and embarrassment.
He also wants the courts to order an injunction on further publication of the allegations or similar words.
The defendants named in the suit include six members of the symphony's players committee, two officials with the musicians union and a consultant with the Saskatchewan Arts board.
The claim said the symphony steward's report from the 2006-2007 season said Sanford "engaged in abusive bullying tactics, shouting down, ridiculing or ignoring a player who tries to say something he disagrees with."
Other parts of the steward report quoted in the statement of claim accused Sanford of having a "dictatorial style," using intimidation, coercion and threats.
The claim said the steward's report alleged that at one concert, Sanford smelled of alcohol.
Also defamatory, according to the claim, was the suggestion that Sanford is "incompetent" in his job.
The claim quoted from a part of the steward's report that said Sanford's "tempos are aberrant."
"At the string sections, tempos are wildly faster than those taken when the winds and brass join the rehearsals, making it impossible for the strings to anticipate what tempo will be required of them," the claim said, quoting from the steward's report.
A statement of defence hasn't been filed yet.
Sanford declined to be interviewed by CBC.
