Welsh National Opera musician unfairly dismissed

Murray “Sandy” Johnston, 63, was fired after 34 years in the Welsh National Orchestra. Credit: Wales News Pictures

Court of Appeal Judges have today ruled that the former principal oboist of the Welsh National Opera was unfairly dismissed.

Murray “Sandy” Johnston, 63, was fired after 34 years of playing in the WNO on the grounds that the sound of his instrument did not "blend" with the rest of the orchestra.

Mr Johnston took his legal battle all the way to the Court of Appeal.

The case will now return to an employment tribunal to decide the amount of compensation available to him.

Murray Johnston claimed his career with the orchestra began to decline after personality clashes with former musical director, Carlo Rizzi.