The artistic director of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra has challenged anonymous players who have publicly criticised sackings to sign their letters of complaint.
In an interview with the Sunday Morning Post, Edo de Waart defended his decisions to sack three musicians, put 10 on probationary contracts and require the entire double-bass section to re-audition.
The moves prompted more than a dozen musicians to write anonymously to the South China Morning Post in February accusing de Waart of arbitrary sackings, referring to him as a dictator and megalomaniac.
The Dutch maestro spoke out as it emerged that some disgruntled musicians had complained directly to the home affairs minister last month over February's sackings and contract changes.
The letter, personally handed to Patrick Ho Chi-ping when he attended one of the orchestra's concerts, said the conductor's actions were unfair.
The writers, who declined to be named, also said seven of the 10 players put on probation were Chinese and said they had not been evenly treated. They added that one of those fired was seeking advice about possible legal action.