Melbourne Symphony Cancels Concert Due to Safety Concerns Arising from Pianist’s Stance on Gaza

August 15, 2024 TruthUSA

The orchestra has issued a statement acknowledging that canceling pianist Jayson Gillham’s performance was a mistake.

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) made the decision to cancel a concert at Melbourne Town Hall on Aug. 15 due to security concerns related to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Following comments made by pianist Jayson Gillham on Aug. 11, the orchestra decided to drop him from the performance lineup.

Although the orchestra now admits that canceling Gillham was a mistake, they are still unable to proceed with the concert due to “independent security advice.”

Gillham, an Australian-born pianist residing in the UK, expressed his concerns about the targeted killings of journalists in Gaza.

During a concert, Gillham reportedly stated, “Over the last 10 months, Israel has killed more than 100 Palestinian journalists. 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.”

The MSO later informed its supporters via email that they were blindsided by Gillham’s comments and stated that political views expressed during performances are not condoned.

However, on Aug. 15, the orchestra announced that they had engaged in constructive discussions with Jayson and his management, with plans to reschedule the concert.

While emphasizing that a concert platform is not the place for political commentary, the MSO recognized Gillham’s concerns about the Middle East and other regions.

The MSO sought independent security advice and made the decision to cancel the concert in light of that advice.

Apologizing to those who had planned to attend, the MSO stated, “In light of this advice, the MSO Board and management had no option but to cancel the concert.”

MSO Acknowledges Error in Cancelling Pianist

The orchestra admitted that it was a mistake to ask Jayson to step back from his performance.

The MSO acknowledged the strong sentiments surrounding the situation and praised the dedication shown by its musicians and staff.

In response, the Australian Jewish Association expressed that their community does not wish to encounter anti-Israel activists during events and questioned the orchestra’s dependence on Jewish donors.

The AJA argued on X, “If the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra wants to engage in anti-Israel activism, why would Jewish donors continue to support them?”

Meanwhile, Palestinian Australian playwright and human rights advocate Samah Sabawi voiced her concerns about the decision on X.

She stated, “The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra didn’t cancel tonight’s concert for ‘security’ reasons as they claimed. It’s because hundreds of patrons demanded refunds.”

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