The Controversy In Cleveland Continues

Just in case you forgot about the legal battle between Cleveland Plain Dealer music critic Donald Rosenberg and the Cleveland Orchestra, The Cleveland Scene published a lengthy article about the latest developments in the ongoing drama. Written by Michael Gill and published on 5/5/2010, the piece begins with a picturesque description of Cleveland Orchestra music director, Franz Welser-Möst, giving a deposition under a “cold fluorescent light”…

Gill’s article does a good job at providing an overview of events that led to the impending trial which is scheduled to begin sometime in July, 2010. Of particular note is Gill’s account of testimony provided by Andrew Fischer, who served as Welser-Möst’s limo driver at the beginning of the conductor’s time with the orchestra.

In depositions, [Fischer] describes having heard loud, closed-door meetings between Welser-Möst and others, discussing what could be done about the critic.

He recalls another incident in which Welser-Möst got into the car and was “more upset than I’d ever seen him. He stated that he was upset because of a review written in The
Plain Dealer by Donald Rosenberg.” He remembers hearing the conductor declare that “Don doesn’t get it,” and that the critic will soon change his ways or find himself looking for another job.”

Gill also points out that Rosenberg is only seeking $25,000, a comparatively infinitesimal sum in light of lottery style court awards. Gill reports that some observers think the damages are a mere stepping stone to Rosenberg’s long tail view which might include a book detailing these events. Of course, there’s still time for both sides to settle before this goes to trial but if they don’t come to an agreement, the proceedings should make for some fascinating material not to mention the potential for groundbreaking precedence.

If nothing else, the scenario continues to serve as a valuable resource for the entire business on to build relationships and settle disputes. We examined those issues and more in two previous articles based on the Rosenberg/Cleveland Orchestra saga.