Former production director Michael Baumgarten has filed a lawsuit against Opera Carolina and General Director Shanté Williams.

In a lawsuit filed at the Mecklenburg County Court, Baumgarten argues that the company and its General Director failed to uphold his employment contract as director of production when he was fired without cause last fall. Baumgarten is seeking in excess of $25,000 from Opera Carolina and Williams.

According to the lawsuit, which was first reported by the Charlotte Observer, he is also seeking a jury trial. According to the court filing, Baumgarten was supervised by James Meena, the company’s former principal conductor and artistic director, who was ousted.

Baumgarten’s lawyer told the Charlotte Observer, “This employment agreement is very clear. They have a contractual obligation and they’re just not going to do it.”

In response to the Lawsuit, Williams filed a counterclaim accusing Baumgarten of tarnishing her reputation as Opera Carolina’s leader. Baumgarten’s lawyer has filed a motion to dismiss that claim, noting that Williams fails to meet requirements for pleading claims of defamation.

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