Mozart Camerata Conductor’s Slander Suit Is Dismissed

A suit by a conductor who alleged he was slandered by former members of his orchestra was dismissed Friday in Orange County Superior Court when, for the second time, the conductor and his attorney failed to appear for a hearing.

Mozart Camerata Music Director Ami Porat filed the suit in June against violinists Endre Granat and Alexander Horvath and other unnamed parties, accusing them of “slander, interference with contract, interference with economic relationship and conspiracy.”

Granat, Horvath and others had stopped playing in the Irvine-based chamber group in January, alleging that Porat’s musical leadership was inept and that they consistently were paid late.

Porat denied the allegations and filed suit against the musicians, seeking unspecified damages. A hearing was set for Dec. 6 but was rescheduled for this week after neither Porat nor his attorney, Harvey E. Berman, appeared in court.