Following a binding arbitration hearing, National Philharmonic at Strathmore founder and former Music Director & Conductor Piotr Gajewski has been awarded $391,402 in damages for breach of contract, wrongful termination, and violation of Maryland Wage Payment and Collections Law, to be paid by the National Philharmonic.
In his decision, Arbitrator Jerry R. Goldstein, serving under the auspices of the American Arbitration Association, ruled that “the reasons asserted in Gajewski’s termination letter are lacking in merit both factually and legally.” Goldstein further determined that Gajewski “clearly could only be terminated by a vote of the [NatPhil] Board. That never happened. It was essentially done by the action of two Board members acting on their own in violation of the [NatPhil] Bylaws.”
Gajewski, who founded the National Philharmonic more than 40 years ago and served as its Music Director and Conductor for decades, said the ruling offered both vindication and sadness. “While I am happy about the vindication through this verdict, I will be forever heartbroken that my 40-year tenure with the National Philharmonic, an organization I created and nurtured for a very long time, ended the way it did,” he said Monday.
Gajewski added that he does not plan to move quickly to collect the awarded funds, citing concern for the organization’s current challenges. “NatPhil musicians and audiences have meant so much to me over the years. It was made clear to me during the arbitration that, since my departure, the organization has been weathering difficult times. I truly wish them well, so I plan to approach this issue responsibly in the hope that the National Philharmonic can thrive again soon.”
Since departing the National Philharmonic, Gajewski has continued his work in classical music. He will return to Strathmore this spring in a concert collaboration with NASA and composer Henry Dehlinger, a sequel to the acclaimed Cosmic Cycles concert he previously conducted with the National Philharmonic. The program, presented by Capital Classical Concerts, a new organization founded by Gajewski and colleagues, will include several of his former NatPhil collaborators. More information and tickets are available at www.ccconcerts.org.
When asked for comment, a National Philharmonic spokesperson stated: “As a matter of policy, National Philharmonic does not comment on personnel matters. Our focus remains on our mission to present world-class performances, champion diverse voices in classical music, and connect to our community. Most recently, NatPhil received wide international recognition for our first studio album of music by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. We’re proud of the momentum we’ve built, and our energy is devoted to the 2025–2026 Season ahead.”
