Just in: Melbourne Symphony abruptly fires boss

The board of the embattled Australian orchestra has acted swiftly in the wake of the rebel pianist incident.

Out, immediately, goes Sophie Galaise, the Canadian chief executive. ‘We want to acknowledge Sophie’s contribution over the past eight years at the MSO and thank her for her dedication to the organisation,’ said the uncompromising statement.

In comes Richard Wrigley, a New Zealander who used to run the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and the Ulster Orchestra.

Also on board is Australia’s former Federal Arts Minister Peter Garrett. he will lead an independent investigation into the orchestra’s ‘culture’, assisted by management consultants from KPMG.

These events were precipitated by the sacking of a pianist, Jayson Gillham, who made objectionable remarsk about the Meddle East situation in the course of a recital.

It remains to be seen whether the MSO musicians will be appeased by the sacking of Galaise, long a combative and isolated figure. The players have been demandingf the heads of other senior executives.

But this is decisively one step forward.

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