Melbourne orchestra conducts review after cancelling pianist over Gaza comment
Important points
- The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has promised an independent review of the decision to dismiss Gillham.
- The musicians are demanding the resignation of the orchestra’s managing director and chief operating officer.
- In solidarity with Gillham, Australian band The Cat Empire have postponed planned performances at Hamer Hall.
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will launch an independent review of the decision to remove a pianist from the orchestra who spoke out in support of journalists killed in the Gaza Strip, after the move led to a vote of no confidence.
Jayson Gillham was scheduled to perform at Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday.
The organization said the removal was due to “security concerns.”
In response, the MSO musicians submitted a vote of no confidence in the board on Friday, which they said was supported by an “overwhelming majority.”
In a letter, members stated that management was no longer leading the organization “in accordance with MSO values and behaviors.”
“The gravity of the current situation the organization faced this week with the cancellation of Jayson Gillham as a soloist has only brought these issues to the forefront and highlighted this ongoing pattern of behavior,” they wrote.
The musicians called for the immediate resignation of the orchestra’s managing director, Sophie Galaise, and COO Guy Ross.
They also called for an independent investigation into the cancellation of Gillham’s concert and the quality of the leadership overall.
The orchestra confirmed receipt of the letter in a statement and announced an independent external review of its policies, procedures and processes.
It was said there would also be an investigation into the events that led to the decision to remove Gillham from the performance.
“The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is committed to ensuring that we have protocols in place that are appropriate for the purpose of our organization and the role we play in the community,” the statement said.
“The review will help ensure that our policies and processes reflect best practices in today’s environment.”
The Cat Empire postpones show due to Gillham’s cancellation
Also on Friday, Australian band The Cat Empire postponed planned performances at Hamer Hall, saying its members “value the principles of freedom of expression, artistic expression and inclusivity.”
“We strongly support Jayson and the talented musicians of the orchestra, many of whom are our friends and contemporaries,” the band said in a statement.
“They too have found themselves in an unpleasant situation.”
The Cat Empire expressed hope that the concerts would go ahead once the orchestra had clarified the situation, adding: “These changes are in line with our beliefs as a band.”
