Peter Garrett to lead independent external review into Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Midnight Oil singer and former Labor minister Peter Garrett will head a review into the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra following a controversy over Gaza, as its managing director stands down.

Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett will review the MSO. Picture Matt Turner.

Midnight Oil frontman and former Federal Arts Minister, Peter Garrett, will lead an independent external review into the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

The announcement follows controversy surrounding the MSO’s concert with pianist Jayson Gillham earlier this month.

The appointment of Mr Garret on Monday came as the MSO board annouced managing director Sophie Galaise had left her role.

Orchestral leader Richard Wigley has been appointed as a strategic adviser to lead the management team.

MSO managing director has stod down. Picture: Sophie Galaise

Mr Garrett’s review will evaluate MSO’s policies, procedures and processes and cover

protocols around freedom of speech and artistic expression on stage.

The MSO cancelled a performance by Gillham, who made comments about the killing of journalists in Gaza, during a concert on August 11.

While introducing a new piece by Connor D’Netto called Witness, Gillham said that during the past 10 months Israel had killed more than 100 journalists, an assertion that is disputed by Israel.

After the show, the MSO wrote to attendees to apologise for Gillham’s remarks and notify them that his subsequent appearance had been cancelled.

“The MSO does not condone the use of our stage as a platform for expressing personal views,” it wrote.

However the MSO quickly backtracked when just days later, on August 15, it said it had erred by cancelling Gillham’s appearance and was seeking to reschedule the concert.

Australian-British pianist Jayson Gillham. Picture: Supplied

On Monday, after announcing the Garrett review, the MSO Board said: “We are determined to shape our future and that works starts today”.

“We want to ensure protocols are in place that are fit for purpose for an organisation of the MSO’s profile and the role it plays within the community. Recognising the need to restore confidence in the MSO, we needed a respected musician to lead this review and were pleased Peter accepted our invitation.”

The board acknowledged Ms Galaise’s “contribution over the past eight years” but noted “recent pressures on our people and management”.

Peter Garrett said arts organisations are facing complex issues around freedom of expression. Picture: Nic Walker

The board added: “The board recognises the past few weeks has been a difficult experience for many of our people”.

“There is a clear understanding that we need to learn from these events to ensure the MSO is best positioned to continue offering world-class cultural experiences for our valued audiences. The appointment of Peter, supported by KPMG, will provide confidence to our musicians, our people and wider community that we are serious about the process.

“We thank the musicians, management and employees of the MSO and our artistic family for their dedication and commitment to their roles as we seek to come back together in serving our audiences.”

Mr Garrett said he welcomed the opportunity to chair “this important review”.

“Performing arts organisations are facing complex issues around freedom of expression whilst maintaining long-term sustainability in a dynamic and increasingly highly charged environment,” he said.

“If we get this right, the review may also serve a broader purpose for others who will inevitably face similar challenges.”