The UK-Australian pianist Jayson Gillham provoked a crisis at the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra by making a contentious political statement about the Middle East. Gillhamas was removed from his next scheduled appearance and the ensuing furore resulted in the sacking of the MSO’s contentious MD, Sophie Galaise.
The orchestra then tried to make good any harm it may have done to the headstrong pianist.
Gillham presented a list of demands.
He wants: a public apology from the MSO; an affirmation of artists’ rights to speak freely; compensation for alleged reputational damage caused by his cancellation; future performance opportunities to repair his professional standing; a commission of a piano concerto by a Palestinian composer; and a donation to the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in Palestine.
The MSO have told him to go whistle.
No further talks are scheduled.
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