Famed pianist Jayson Gillham sues Melbourne Symphony Orchestra over cancelled concert, ‘censorship’

Famed pianist Jayson Gillham has called for donations to fund a legal battle against the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra after a performance was cancelled, in what he claims was censorship.

Famed pianist Jayson Gillham has called for public donations to help fund a legal battle against the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, in the wake of his cancelled performance.

Gillham said in a video statement he was “left with no other option but to pursue legal action against the MSO”, adding the Federal Court action was “about defending everyone’s right to freedom of speech”.

“In August this year, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra cancelled my performance after I dedicated a piece to journalists in Gaza and provided factual context about their deaths — I was silenced for speaking the truth that Israel targets journalists,” Gillham said.

“After my reasonable requests to remedy the situation were rejected outright in a hostile letter from the MSO lawyers, I am now left with no other option but to pursue legal action against the MSO.”

Jayson Gillham claims he was silenced for speaking out. Picture: Abhishek Kodaganallur Pichumani

Gillham said he was suing the MSO to ensure artists could “perform with integrity and without fear of censorship”.

“Over the last weeks, I’ve been deeply moved by the overwhelming support I’ve received as we enter this next phase, I invite you to continue your support by contributing to my legal fund,” he said.

“Every donation large or small, will make a difference in this fight for artistic integrity and freedom of expression, together we can create a watershed moment, setting a precedent for free speech and artistic freedom in Australia and beyond.

“Thank you for standing with me against censorship and thank you for your donations and your continued support.”

A spokeswoman for the MSO told the Herald Sun on Thursday afternoon the orchestra had “today been served with a statement of claim by Jayson Gillham commencing proceedings in the Federal Court”.

“The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is reviewing the court documents and will respond at the appropriate time,” she said.

Gillham is being represented by Michael Bradley of Marque Lawyers and Sheryn Omeri KC, The Australian reports.

Gillham performed a solo piano recital at Melbourne’s Iwaki Auditorium in August, which included a piece dedicated by the composer to Gazan journalists.

He has said he provided factual context about the deaths of Palestinian journalists, corroborated by what he claimed were reputable sources.

The MSO then removed Gillham from a scheduled performance on the basis his comments were personal political views.

The situation erupted — amid claims of deep-seated cultural problems and discontent at the MSO — and played a part in the end of MSO boss Sophie Galaise’s reign as managing director.

Former federal Labor minister Peter Garrett was then hired to conduct an independent review of the MSO.

In September, Ms Galaise hit out at her treatment, declaring that music concerts should be “safe havens” for all Australians and free from political protest.

Ms Galaise said both she and her management team were right to demand audience members be free to listen to music without being subjected to political ­lectures.

“Why was I sacked? In my opinion it’s not fair,” Ms Galaise said.

“It was a disagreement (with the board) but it (my position) was not a mistake. I still believe the MSO should be a platform that is neutral and that focuses on doing good music.”

The MSO has been contacted for comment regarding Gillham’s Federal Court action.

Originally published as Famed pianist Jayson Gillham sues Melbourne Symphony Orchestra over cancelled concert, ‘censorship’