Rosemary Thomson has filed a claim against the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra for wrongful dismissal.

Thomson was let go from her position as Music Director on Dec. 1 due to allegations relating to a recent OSO concert “with guest artists representing Indigenous cultures and improvisatory traditions outside the OSO’s classical roots, and are without merit.”

In a statement, the conductor said, “I’m 100 percent confident that we will prove they did not have cause which makes them in breach of my contract, and I will be vindicated.”

According to the Canadian press, the OSO did not respond for comment.

Thomson served as principal conductor of the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra from 2006 until 2023. During her time with the orchestra she was given the Honour in the Arts award by the City of Kelowna in 2015, and she won the Community Spirit Award through the BC Provincial Achievement Foundation in 2021.

She has also been the chorus master of the Calgary Philharmonic and assistant conductor for the Canadian Opera Company.