The press release below reports the rare capitulation of a professional symphony orchestra to the political bias of a solo pianist.
It would be helpful if the MSO were to amplify the ‘safety concerns’ that prompted the concert cancellation and its grovelling apology to the propagandist Jayson Gillham.
Melbourne, 15 August, 2024
Today, the Melbourne Symphony released the following statement:
BEGINS
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will not perform at Melbourne Town Hall tonight (Thursday August 15) due to safety concerns. The MSO yesterday sought independent security advice considering events that have occurred since last Sunday’s concert with Jayson Gillham. In light of this advice, the MSO Board and management had no option but to cancel the concert. We apologise to those who were planning to attend.
The MSO acknowledges that an error was made in asking Jayson Gillham to step back from his performance on Thursday 15 August. We have been engaging constructively with Jayson and his management and are seeking to reschedule the concert. While the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra maintains that a concert platform is not an appropriate stage for political comment, we acknowledge Jayson’s concerns for those in the Middle East and elsewhere.
We recognise the strength of feelings of all parties on this matter and particularly acknowledge the dedication and commitment demonstrated by all our musicians and staff this week.
ENDS
In response, Jayson Gillham said: “I accept the MSO’s apology. I hold my relationship with the MSO, its players and audience with the highest regard. And look forward to our continued working relationship in years to come.”
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