The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra has lost the appeal filed against a court ruling that ordered the Orchestra to pay its former conductor Brian Schembri €168,000, over a breach of contract.

Schembri filed his lawsuit against National Orchestra Limited in 2018 for breach of contract, claiming his employment contract, which automatically renewed after three years, was unlawfully terminated by the defendant. He argued that the defendant attempted to impose unfavorable contract amendments that would have diminished his role and rights and sought three years’ worth of salary (€168,431.96) as stipulated in the contract’s termination clause.

The court had ruled in Schembri’s favor in Oct. 2024, but the Orchestra appealed the judgment. The Court of Appeal has upheld the original decision.

On June 21, Schembri wrote on Facebook, “After a 7-year legal battle, I won my case against the National Orchestra Limited, its leadership, and supporting officials who denied me justice as a professional artist. The court ruled unequivocally against them last October, yet they appealed. Now, 8 months later, the Court of Appeal has delivered a clear, resounding and final decision, reaffirming my rights and vindicating my struggle against my wrongful dismissal and the perversion of truth…”

At this time, no statement from the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra has been released.

Read Related Stories

• Malta Philharmonic Ordered to Pay Former Principal Conductor