The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has made headlines after cancelling an upcoming recital by acclaimed pianist Jayson Gillham due to controversial comments he made regarding the Israel-Gaza war.
Gillham premiered a piece titled Witness at a show at the MSO on Sunday, which was written as a tribute to Palestinian journalists. However, during the performance, Gillham made statements accusing Israel of killing more than 100 journalists, sparking outrage and leading to the cancellation of his upcoming performance.
The MSO stated that they do not condone the use of their stage as a platform for personal views and were blindsided by Gillham’s comments. They have since removed him from the program and are reworking the schedule.
The decision to cancel Gillham’s recital has caused a backlash on social media, with many expressing disappointment and outrage. High profile barrister Greg Barns called the cancellation “truly appalling”, while arts critics and former Sydney Symphony Orchestra chairman Leo Schofield said the MSO management should be ashamed.
The Israel-Gaza war has become a contentious issue in Australia, with protests from both Jewish and Muslim communities and a rise in Islamophobia and antisemitism. The MSO’s decision to cancel Gillham’s performance highlights the delicate balance that organizations must navigate when dealing with politically charged topics.
