Legal stoush between MSO and pianist Jayson Gillham escalates as talks break down

The former head of the Melbourne Symphony ­Orchestra has broken her silence over the controversy that has rocked the classical music world, saying audiences shouldn’t be subjected to political lectures.

The feud between acclaimed pianist Jayson Gillham and the MSO continues to escalate. Picture: X / @jaysongillham

The former managing director of the Melbourne Symphony ­Orchestra has hit out at her sacking over the sidelining of a pianist who attacked Israel’s conduct in Gaza, declaring that music concerts should be “safe havens” for all Australians and free from political protest.

Sophie Galaise has broken her silence over the controversy that has rocked the country’s oldest orchestra, insisting she and her management team were right to demand audience members be free to listen to music without being subjected to political ­lectures.

Ms Galaise revealed on Monday that the MSO board sacked her last week after it unilaterally overturned the unanimous decision of her MSO executive team to ­sideline pianist Jayson Gillham after his onstage anti-Israel ­comments last month.

Australian-British pianist Jayson Gillham has taken to social media to make his feelings known. Picture: Supplied.

The MSO controversy is the latest involving pro-Palestinian activism on stage that has divided the artistic community and ­angered Jewish patrons and donors.

It follows a backlash against the Sydney Theatre Company from patrons and donors last year after three actors wore pro-­Palestinian keffiyeh scarfs during a curtain call.

Ms Galaise was the only person the MSO board ­sacked despite the fact her six-member management team agreed with her that Gillham should not play at a subsequent concert because of his anti-Israel comments, which breached the orchestra’s position of neutrality in the Gaza conflict.

“Why was I sacked? In my opinion it’s not fair,” Ms Galaise told The Australian in her first comments on the controversy.

“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. It is important to ­respect other people’s (political) opinion but the MSO should be a safe haven, a place where ­people can come and listen to great music and know they are going to be safe.”

Ms Galaise said she was ­exploring legal options after an extraordinary series of events that culminated in her taking the fall for the stunning split between the MSO’s board and its management team.

It comes as the rift between the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and pianist Jayson Gillham widens, with hostility between the two parties deepening.

Gillham was axed by the MSO board after he dedicated a piano solo to journalists who died in Gaza. His next concert was then cancelled.

Days later, the MSO musicians sensationally passed a vote of no confidence in their senior management.

Since then, Gillham has employed Marque Lawyers and Sheryn Omeri KC to represent him in the stoush and yesterday released a statement doubling down on his actions.

He took to social media on Monday to post his full statement, and repost statements in support of him.

Australian-British classical pianist Jayson Gillham. Picture: X / @jaysongillham

“I stand firmly by my actions and words. As an artist, I believe it is not only my right but my responsibility to use my platform to shed light on important issues,” he said in his statement.

“The factual statement I made about the plight of Palestinian journalists is backed by reputable sources and aligns with international law.

“The implication that my actions caused safety concerns is unfounded and deeply troubling.

“It appears to be an attempt to deflect from the real issues at hand and to stigmatise legitimate political expression.”

He said he remained open to “constructive dialogue” with the MSO to resolve the matter “in a way that respects artistic freedom, upholds principles of non-discrimination, and reaffirms the important role that artists play in society”.

MSO is represented by law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler (ABL), of which one of its partners is Jeremy Leibler, president of the Zionist Federation of Australia.

ABL sent an open letter back to Gillham’s lawyers from partner Leon Zwier, also firmly backing their own position.

“Your letters make serious allegations about breaches of the law by MSO,” Mr Zwier said in his letter.

“They are wrong and Mr Gillham knows they are wrong.

“Mr Gillham has made outrageous demands of the MSO for compensation and other relief. They will never be met.”

Jeremy Leibler is a partner at Arnold Bloch Leibler and President of the Zionist Federation of Australia. Picture: Arsineh Houspian.

ABL also claimed Gillham “abused his position by using an MSO concert to air his political opinions” and the issue was “not and never has been about free speech”.

“He did so improperly. As was inevitable, it caused distress to many members of the audience.

“The MSO respects the rights of performing artists to express their views, but the MSO does not permit performing artists to use the MSO’s stage or name to pursue their own personal causes.

“Your client has threatened to commence legal proceedings against MSO. I have instructions to accept service of that process.”

Gillham hit back with another statement on Monday morning and said he was “deeply disappointed by the tone and content” of ABL’s letter.

“The letter mischaracterises the events that transpired and fails to address the serious issues raised in my initial correspondence,” he posted to X.

“The implication that my actions caused safety concerns is unfounded and deeply troubling. It appears to be an attempt to deflect from the real issues at hand and to stigmatise legitimate political expression.”

ABL said Gillham’s requests of the MSO would never be met. Picture: Alison Wynd

His requests from the MSO included:

• A public apology from the MSO, which in private discussions with his agent, its management had promised to give him before publishing a public statement that did not include the promised apology

• An affirmation of artists’ rights to speak freely

• Compensation for reputational damage caused by his being cancelled by the MSO

• Future performance opportunities to repair his professional standing

• A commission of a piano concerto by a Palestinian composer

• A donation to the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music in Palestine