The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra has lost an appeal it filed against a court ruling that ordered it to pay €168,000 to its former conductor Brian Schembri over a breach of contract.

Schembri had filed his lawsuit against National Orchestra Limited in 2018 for breach of contract, claiming his employment contract, which automatically renewed after three years, was unlawfully terminated by the defendant.

He argued that the defendant attempted to impose unfavourable contract amendments that would have diminished his role and rights and sought three years' worth of salary (€168,431.96) as stipulated in the contract's termination clause.

The court had ruled in Schembri's favour in October, but the MPO had appealed the judgment. The Court of Appeal has upheld the original decision.

"After a 7-year legal battle, I won my case against the National Orchestra Limited, its leadership, and supporting officials who denied me justice as a professional artist," Schembri wrote on Facebook.

"The court ruled unequivocally against them last October, yet they appealed. Now, 8 months later, the Court of Appeal has delivered a clear, resounding and final decision, reaffirming my rights and vindicating my struggle against my wrongful dismissal and the perversion of truth," he said.

"This painful chapter (which in fact really began in 1984), has finally closed - not as I'd dreamed in youth drowned in music... But life is what it is and I'll always cherish the better moments with the Malta Philharmonic in all its forms and denominations," he said.

"Yet, no triumph, however great, can ease my deepest sorrow - that my beloved parents spent their final years heartbroken by my unjust dismissal. The pain of their absence, unable to share in this hard-won vindication, will remain with me forever.

"Still, I move forward with gratitude for this justice and renewed strength. Here's to new beginnings, carrying the music in my heart and honouring my parents' memory with every step."