It looks like the fired conductor and Okanagan Symphony have kissed and made up

Details of this reconciliation are scant.

But, Okanagan Symphony Orchestra and the conductor and music director it fired five months ago, Rosemary Thomson, are back together.

At least, temporarily.

In a news release issued today by the orchestra it gushed: "Maestro Thomson is thrilled to return to the podium to conduct the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra for the May concert series, after which she will hold the title of conductor emeritus (retired)."

It's a surprising turn around from the animosity that played out publicly in the media in December when Thomson was dumped by the orchestra.

When KelownaNow asked orchestra executive director Geraldine Parent what's changed, she answered with a generic: "The two parties have come to an agreement that will see Maestro Thomson conducting her final concerts with the OSO May 10-12."

Parent declined to get into any details.

Thomson was let go Dec. 1 after 16 years as music director and conductor with the orchestra.

The firing came nine months before she was set to retire.

The termination also seems tied to a Nov. 18 concert called Amplify about decolonization with guest artists representing Indigenous cultures and improvising traditions outside the orchestra's classical routes.

Thomson and orchestra president Judy Burns clashed over the concert and by mid-December Thomson had filed a claim for wrongful dismissal and sued Burns.

Thomson, who has been very public about her ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) said she was fired after getting blamed for the Amplify concert starting late and being late for rehearsals.

Thomson also claimed Burns had a personal vendetta against her, solicited negative feedback during exit interviews for Amplify and that Burns blamed Thomson as the primary cause of the orchestra's financial difficulties.

At the time, Burns said it was a difficult decision to terminate Thomson's contract and it was only done after a thorough examination of the available information.

Thomson said the firing was malicious and in bad faith and caused her anxiety, humiliation and embarrassment.

"I will be vindicated," said Thomson at the time of filing the claim for wrongful dismissal.

Also in mid-December, members of the public rallied in front of the Kelowna Community Theatre before am orchestra concert in support of Thomson, demanding that she be reinstated.

A Change.org petition was also started to 'Bring back Rose.'

Thomson's lawsuit didn't specify what she may be after financially.

However, if she hadn't been fired, Thomson would have been paid $6,680 a month for the nine months remaining on her contract until her retirement.

Thomson's return to conducting for the orchestra is for the Bring on Beethoven concerts May 10 at the Kelowna Community Theatre, May 11 at the Cleland Community Theatre in Penticton and May 12 at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre.

They are also the final concerts of the orchestra's 2023-24 season.

Tickets at www.okanagansymphony.com.

Thomson is now listed on the orchestra's website as conductor emeritus (retired) with a glowing description of her career and talents.

Burns is also listed on the orchestra's website as president for 2024.

_{Thumbnail photo by Jan Vozenilek}