Orchestra sacks managing director

The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has sacked its managing director, Paul Findlay, and head of public relations, Ewen Balfour, citing "irreconcilable problems".

Lord Menuhin, president of the RPO, said yesterday: "I am very sorry that circumstances have dictated a change in the orchestra's management, but I have every confidence that the chairman and board's determination to secure the financial and artistic future of this greatorchestra will undoubtedly succeed." Neither of the two sacked men was available for comment last night.