Former Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Assistant Conductor Jherrard Hardeman is suing the orchestra and the University of Rochester for breach of contract and alleges both institutions defamed him

In his lawsuit, which was filed in May, Hardeman alleges he was pushed out of his roles and later defamed by claims of inappropriate conduct with minors.

According to the lawsuit, Hardeman joined the RPO in 2023, where the orchestra publicly praised his musicianship, personality and presentation.

However, Hardeman’s, whose contract was scheduled to run through 2027,  relationship with the orchestra changed last year when he was called into the chief executive’s office and asked to resign. According to the conductor, there were rumors accusing him of inappropriate conduct and communications with minors.

His lawsuit states that he “has never engaged in sexual contact, inappropriate relations, or improper communications with any minor or minor student.”

Hardeman also taught and performed at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music. He says he was barred from university properties by September 2025.

Both the University of Rochester and Rochester Philharmonic denied teh claims and said, “The RPO takes all workplace concerns seriously and is committed to maintaining a respectful, professional, and supportive environment for all our employees and the communities we serve. We remain confident in our practices and policies as well as in the integrity of our organization and will respond through the appropriate legal process We look forward to a full and fair review of the facts and are confident the results will confirm our long-standing commitment to operating fairly, responsibly, and transparently.”