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How the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is tearing itself apart

Myriam Robin, Michael Bailey and Patrick Durkin

Aug 29, 2024 – 5.00am

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The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was at war with itself long before pianist Jayson Gillham decided to talk about Gaza during a now infamous performance earlier this month.

In late June, at a meeting of the board and senior management, MSO chairman David Li gave a briefing about managing director Sophie Galaise’s spending on consultants and travel.

Myriam Robin is a senior writer based in the Melbourne newsroom. She has previously been a Rear Window columnist and editor, and before that reported on financial markets and media.

Michael Bailey writes on arts and culture, and edits Weekend Fin. He is a former editor of the Financial Review Rich List. He is based in Sydney.

Patrick Durkin is Melbourne bureau chief and BOSS deputy editor. He writes on news, business and leadership.