L.A. Chamber Orchestra Sued by a Former Executive

Alleging breach of contract, blacklisting and defamation, among other complaints, Bruce D. Thibodeau has filed suit against the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, which he led as executive director from 1995 to 1997.

The suit, filed in Santa Monica Superior Court on May 14, seeks general and special damages from the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Society Inc., Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra Foundation and board members.

Thibodeau was hired by LACO in 1993 as acting director of finance. He became director of administration and finance a year later and was appointed to a three-year term as executive director in 1995. He resigned in 1997. The suit claims the he was treated badly by the board as a result of his sexual orientation. Since then, Thibodeau contends, LACO board members violated the terms of his termination agreement by publicizing untruthful statements about his job performance and made inappropriate remarks about his sexual orientation, preventing him from finding another job in arts management.

Officials of the chamber orchestra would not comment on the suit or on Thibodeau’s tenure with the orchestra.

According to the lawsuit, under Thibodeau’s leadership, the organization completed the reduction of a deficit of approximately $1.2 million. In 1996, the orchestra announced it was operating in the black for the first time in nine years.

Incorporated in 1968, LACO plays repertory from the Baroque era to the 20th century, in subscription concerts, a chamber music series and neighborhood and family concerts. The 40-member ensemble is currently led by music director Jeffrey Kahane and executive director Ruth Eliel, former managing director of the Lewitzky Dance Company in Los Angeles, who was appointed in 1997.

In 1997, Thibodeau founded Arts Consulting Inc., a Los Angeles management and consulting firm, which he still heads.

“What he was forced to do was basically become a consultant,” said his attorney, James P. Wolh. He decided to sue when “new employment opportunities presented themselves and he was denied employment.”