Melbourne Symphony Cancels Concert Citing ‘Safety Concerns’ Amid Pianist’s Gaza Stance

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra performing at the Hamer Hall Arts Centre in Melbourne, Australia on June 21, 2009. Robert Prezioso/Getty Images

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has cancelled a concert at Melbourne Town Hall on Aug. 15 due to security concerns amid the global fallout of the Israel-Hamas war.

The orchestra dropped pianist Jayson Gillham following comments he made in relation to Gaza journalists at another performance on Aug. 11.

While the orchestra now claims it was an error to can Gillham, the concert is still unable to proceed in light of “independent security advice.”

Gillham, an Australian-born pianist who lives in the UK, expressed concerns about the “targeted assassinations of prominent journalists.”

“Over the last 10 months, Israel has killed more than 100 Palestinian journalists,” Gillham reportedly said at the concert.

“The killing of journalists is a war crime in international law, and it is done in an effort to prevent the documentation and broadcasting of war crimes to the world.”

Following the concert, the MSO emailed its supporters saying the comments blindsided them, and that they did not condone the expression of political views during performances.

Yet on Aug. 15, the orchestra said it had engaged constructively with Jayson and his management and said there were plans to reschedule.

“While the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra maintains that a concert platform is not an appropriate stage for political comment, we acknowledge Jayson’s concerns for those in the Middle East and elsewhere.

The MSO said it had sought independent security advice regarding the situation.

“In light of this advice, the MSO Board and management had no option but to cancel the concert. We apologise to those who were planning to attend,” the MSO said.

MSO Says It Was an ‘Error’ to Cancel Pianist

The orchestra also said an “error was made” asking Jayson to step back from his originally scheduled performance.

“We recognise the strength of feelings of all parties on this matter and particularly acknowledge the dedication and commitment demonstrated by all our musicians and staff this week,” the group said.

In response, the Australian Jewish Association said their community did not want to be accosted by anti-Israel activists during such events.

“A quick glance at their donor list shows just how dependent they are on the generosity of the Jewish community,” the AJA said on X.

“If the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra wants to engage in anti-Israel activism, why on earth would Jewish donors continue to support them?”

Meanwhile, Palestinian Australian playwright and human rights advocate Samah Sabawi took to X to express concern with the decision.

“The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra didn’t cancel tonight’s concert for ‘security’ reasons as they claimed. It’s because hundreds of patrons called them demanding refunds,” she claimed.