Clarinetist Sues Knoxville Symphony Orchestra
Clarinetist James Zimmerman has filed a lawsuit against the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, claiming he was denied a job due to his previous views on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). He recently shared this news and indicated that he submitted the lawsuit weeks ago after securing a blind audition with the orchestra in September.
According to Zimmerman, he was informed by CEO Rachel Ford through an email shortly after his audition that he would not be offered a position. The email stated, “In light of a number of matters brought to the attention of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra regarding your employment with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, we regret to inform you that the KSO has decided not to proceed with offering you an employment contract.”
Zimmerman had been the principal clarinetist for the Nashville Symphony Orchestra from 2008 until 2020. He noted that he faced backlash for opposing DEI policies, asserting that he was “canceled” for his stance. Reports show that he was let go in 2021 after expressing concerns regarding initiatives he felt favored diversity over merit.
In his lawsuit, he seeks $25,000 in damages for lost wages and preparation time, stating that his position was filled by “an obvious DEI recruit still in college.”
He voiced his frustration, saying, “The reason I am filing this lawsuit is because these orchestras continue to release talented players to ensure diversity and cannot prioritize race and politics over ability and technique. This only degrades the quality of music, alienates audiences, and turns art into politics.”
In response to the matter, Ford mentioned that the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra plans to make a public announcement later this week.
Zimmerman has reiterated his support for auditions based purely on merit. He expressed hope that perspectives have shifted since 2020 and that more support for fairness will emerge by 2026. He reflected on being dismissed back then, stating that many viewed his concerns as unfounded. “But not now,” he added.
He concluded, “There are still detractors, but there are far more people who want to fight back against the madness of DEI. Blind auditions are the most meritocratic system imaginable, and it’s clear that people see the city of Knoxville’s refusal to hire me as an attack on meritocracy. You don’t have to be a symphony enthusiast to see how outrageous this is.”
