Overview
- James Zimmermann filed a December lawsuit in Knox County Circuit Court accusing the Knoxville Symphony Society of wrongfully refusing to hire him as principal clarinet.
- He alleges he won the screened audition in September and was told he would be placed on payroll before being informed days later that he would not be hired.
- The complaint quotes CEO Rachel Ford referencing information about Zimmermann’s past employment with the Nashville Symphony in explaining the decision.
- Zimmermann seeks reliance damages exceeding $25,000 and compensatory damages exceeding $47,476, along with attorney fees and other relief.
- The orchestra has not issued a public response, with Ford saying a statement is expected later this week, and the case has drawn online attention including posts by AAG Harmeet Dhillon noting interest without confirmation of any official inquiry.