Peter Garrett drops out of review of the MSO, as board undertakes ’renewal’

The Midnight Oil frontman and former arts minister will no longer lead a review into the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, called after a performance was cancelled following a dedication to journalists in Gaza.

Australian-British classical pianist Jayson Gillham. One of his performances was cancelled after he dedicated a composition to journalists in Gaza. Picture: X / @jaysongillham

Former federal arts minister and Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett will no longer lead a review into the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, which was due to take place in the wake of the orchestra’s cancellation of a concert by pianist Jayson Gillham.

Mr Garrett’s withdrawal comes as MSO chairman David Li and three directors also head for the door amid what the MSO called a “board renewal”.

A statement from the board said Mr Garrett was no longer available to conduct the review due to “pre-existing commitments” and delays in progressing the probe because of legal action against the MSO.

Mr Gillham lodged a workplace discrimination claim against the MSO following an August decision to cancel one of pianist’s performances after he dedicated a composition to journalists in Gaza.

The MSO board said in their statement that the review would begin following the resolution of Mr Gillham’s legal proceedings.

Pianist Jayson Gillham lodged legal proceedings against the MSO. Picture: Abhishek Kodaganallur Pichumani

The review will be “a forward-focused, cultural change process”, said the statement, which will “make the necessary improvements to policies, risk frameworks and processes to support a modern creative cultural organisation”.

Garrett was appointed to “evaluate MSO’s policies, procedures and processes and cover protocols around freedom of speech and artistic expression on stage,” said the MSO in a statement announcing his appointment.

The board also appointed Richard Wigley as its chief executive. Mr Wigley previously stepped in as a strategic adviser following the sacking of previous chief executive Sophie Galaise, who lost the role after the cancellation of Gillham’s performance.

Sophie Galaise was sacked as chief executive of the MSO. Picture: Arsineh Houspian.

“I’ve seen first-hand why the MSO’s global reputation for artistic and creative excellence is well deserved and look forward to harnessing this spirit as we continue the rebuild of the MSO,” said Mr Wigley.

“While I am conscious there is more work to do, we have already made important progress in repositioning the MSO while continuing to deliver landmark musical experiences for our audiences.”

Mr Li will retire as director and chair of the board in the first quarter of 2025, having served on the board for 12 years. Also departing are co-deputy chairs Margaret Jackson and Diane Jameson, and director Andrew Dudgeon.

Edgar Myer, an investment director, will replace Mr Li, stepping into the role of chair upon Mr Li’s retirement in 2025.