Violinist says he was fired for being male

NEW YORK – A violinist who claims the New York Philharmonic fired him because he is a man says some of the women who were promoted ahead of him gave flowers and other gifts to their bosses.

Anton Polezhayev, 29, says in a lawsuit that he was asked to leave after the 2003-2004 season, in the last month of his 17-month probation, despite being told by orchestra officials that he was doing “a fine job” and that his playing was “perfect.”

Polezhayev says in court papers filed Thursday, seven female violinists won permanent jobs or were promoted over him, although some had less experience than he had, or had not auditioned for the positions.

Of the Philharmonic’s 33 violinists, 20 are women, the orchestra’s Web site says.

Eric Latzky, the Philharmonic’s spokesman, said he had no comment.