Jherrard Hardeman Sues Rochester Philharmonic and Eastman School Over Dismissal

Jherrard Hardeman, a former assistant conductor, has filed a lawsuit against the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Eastman School of Music. According to Hardeman, he received two years of high praise from management before being abruptly told by the CEO last September to resign. He also claims Eastman barred him from its premises. Hardeman states that only later did he hear rumors accusing him of inappropriate conduct with minors, allegations he strongly denies. The suit contends that his music choices led to his removal. The case raises questions about institutional governance and due process in the classical music world. The defendants have not yet publicly responded to the claims. The lawsuit was reported by WROC in Rochester.