Cancelling pianist for Gaza comment an error: orchestra
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra says removing a pianist following his comments on Gaza was an error.
Jayson Gillham Pic: Wikipedia
Removing an acclaimed pianist from a performance after he spoke in support of journalists who died in Gaza was an error, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra admits.
The pianist had been due to appear at a show at Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday night but was asked to step aside after he performed a solo “dedicated to the journalists of Gaza“.
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has cancelled the entire concert citing “safety concerns”.
“The MSO acknowledges that an error was made in asking Jayson Gillham to step back from his performance,” an orchestra spokesperson said.
“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.”
On Sunday, the pianist performed Witness from Australian composer Connor D’Netto, a piece dedicated to journalists in Gaza.
A representative for Mr Gillham released his remarks from the concert and said the death of journalists is a topic of significant personal importance to him.
“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,” he said at the time.
“In addition to the role of journalists who bear witness, the word witness in Arabic is shaheed, which also means martyr.”
Mr Gillham’s removal made headlines across the world and sparked backlash.
The orchestra said independent security advice left the board and management “with no option but to cancel the concert” on Thursday, however it will be rescheduled.
“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 spokesperson said.
Intergenerational conflicts in the Middle East region involving Palestinians and Israelis escalated on October 7, 2023.
Hamas, designated a terrorist organisation by the Australian government, launched an assault that killed 1200 people with more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
By Rachael Ward/AAP
Hmmmm – so I am I am researching his consistancy – what the pianist had to say about the situation of journalists in other theatres of conflict and wrongful arrests AND his condemnation re October 7th.
Stuart Fox
First of all Israel doesn’t target journalists. If they get caught up in a war they must accept that wars are not safe places. Second, the death of even one person is a tragedy, but the war was not started by Israel. Also, the tally of how many died is contentious. The accepted figure is about 10,000 not 40,000 as in your statement.