'Bullied' oboist loses unfair dismissal claim

Murray Johnston, 61, was sacked from the Welsh National Opera (WNO), which claimed his performances were falling below standard.

Opera bosses claimed they had done everything possible before resorting to a sacking to help the veteran oboist improve.

They told an employment tribunal in Cardiff that they had acted to ensure the company's reputation was preserved.

Mr Johnston, of Cardiff, claimed he was sacked after a long-running vendetta at the hands of the WNO's then musical director Carlo Rizzi, 50.

The company's principal oboist, and WNO veteran of 34 years, said an argument with the Italian conductor eventually turned to outright discord.

In an exhaustive week-long tribunal hearing Mr Rizzi, who did not give evidence, was accused of being a "vindictive prima donna" and bully.

But the judgment yesterday by the tribunal concluded that Mr Johnston was fairly dismissed by the WNO.