Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) Managing Director Sophie Galaise stepped down following two weeks of controversy stemming from her handling of a performer’s pro-Palestinian comments.
Pianist Jayson Gillham made the comments Aug. 11 during an MSO concert that included “Witness,” a new work by composer Connor D’Netto dedicated to journalists in war-torn Gaza. Gillham introduced the music by explaining:
Over the last 10 months, Israel has killed more than one hundred Palestinian journalists. A number of these have been targeted assassinations of prominent journalists as they were travelling in marked press vehicles or wearing their press jackets. The killing of journalists is a war crime in international law, and it is done in an effort to prevent the documentation and broadcasting of war crimes to the world.
MSO management subsequently canceled Gillham’s additional performances, including one scheduled for two days later.
In an email to patrons, the organization cited Gillham’s “series of introductory remarks” as the reason for the cancellation, noting that the comments were made “without seeking the MSO’s approval or sanction.” The email added that the comments “were an intrusion of personal political views on what should have been a morning focused on a program of works for solo piano.”
Gillham’s cancelation resulted in public outcry and a quick reversal by the orchestra. By the end of the week, MSO musicians delivered its management a vote of no confidence, citing “a work environment characterised by poor communication, a lack of accountability, and continuingly declining morale.”
Galaise’s resignation is effective immediately, and the MSO board of directors has appointed musician and former arts minister Peter Garrett to lead an external review of the initial decision to cancel Gillham’s performances. “There is a clear understanding that we need to learn from these events to ensure the MSO is best positioned to continue offering world-class cultural experiences for our valued audiences,” the board said in a statement.
