Key Points
- Jayson Gillham dedicated a solo “to journalists in Gaza” and said they were being killed to “prevent the documentation of war crimes.”
- The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has canceled its concert at Melbourne Town Hall citing “security concerns”.
- He later admitted the decision was a “mistake”, but said a concert platform was “not an appropriate stage for political commentary”.
Removing famous pianist Jayson Gillham from a concert after he spoke out in support of journalists killed in Gaza was a mistake, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has admitted.
Gillham was due to appear at a show at Melbourne City Hall on Thursday night, but was asked to withdraw after performing a solo “dedicated to Gaza journalists”.
The MSO canceled the entire concert citing “security concerns.”
“The OSM recognizes that an error was made in asking Jayson Gillham to withdraw from his performance,” said an orchestra spokesperson.
“While the OSM maintains that a concert platform is not an appropriate stage for political commentary, we recognize Jayson’s concerns for those in the Middle East and beyond.”
On Sunday, the pianist performed Witness, by Australian composer Connor D’Netto, a piece dedicated to journalists in Gaza.
“The killing of journalists is a war crime under international law, and it is committed with the aim of preventing the documentation and dissemination of war crimes around the world,” Gillham said at the time.
“In addition to the role of journalists who testify, the word witness in Arabic is shaheed, which also means martyr.”
Gillham’s dismissal made headlines around the world and sparked backlash.
The orchestra said independent safety advice left the board and management with “no choice but to cancel Thursday’s concert,” but it will be postponed.
“We recognize the strength of feeling of all parties on this issue and particularly recognize the dedication and commitment demonstrated by all of our musicians and staff this week,” the spokesperson said.
Conflicts in the Middle East region involving Palestinians and Israelis intensified on October 7.
Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the Australian government, launched an assault that killed 1,200 people and took more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel then launched a bombing campaign and ground offensive that killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
