San Antonio Philharmonic Sues Harmonium of Texas and Founder Jeffrey Kahane Over Trade Secrets
On Tuesday, the San Antonio Philharmonic initiated legal action in federal court against Harmonium of Texas and its founder, Jeffrey Kahane, who previously served as music director. The lawsuit accuses Kahane of deceiving the Philharmonic regarding his resignation in January, which he attributed to a return to teaching at USC, while he subsequently formed and directed a rival orchestra. The Philharmonic contends that Kahane misappropriated trade secrets, such as donor and email lists, which poses a threat of irreparable damage. The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, compensation, and an injunction to prevent the use of these trade secrets. This filing precedes Harmonium's inaugural season, set to run from Friday until June 6. Executive director Robert Treviño emphasized the necessity of the lawsuit to safeguard their interests. Both Kahane and Harmonium's board chairman, Jim Berg, refrained from commenting.
Key facts
- The San Antonio Philharmonic filed a lawsuit Tuesday in federal district court against Harmonium of Texas and founder Jeffrey Kahane.
- The suit alleges Kahane misled the Philharmonic when he resigned in January, midway through a three-year commitment.
- Kahane claimed he needed to resign to return to full-time teaching at the University of Southern California.
- The Philharmonic alleges Kahane used trade secrets including donor lists and an email marketing list to start a competing orchestra.
- The suit requests a jury trial, damages to be determined, and an injunction barring use of the trade secrets.
- Harmonium's debut season opens Friday and runs through June 6.
- Philharmonic executive director Robert Treviño said the decision to sue was necessary to protect the organization's rights and interests.
- The Philharmonic has not announced a 2026-27 season, being planned by interim music director Felipe Tristán.
Entities
Artists
- Jeffrey Kahane
- Robert Treviño
- Jim Berg
- Felipe Tristán
Institutions
- San Antonio Philharmonic
- Harmonium of Texas
- University of Southern California
- Houston Symphony Orchestra
- E.F. Marton Productions
- Express-News
Locations
- San Antonio
- United States
- Texas
- Houston