Peter Garrett to conduct review into cancelled concert
Former arts minister and musician Peter Garrett will lead an investigation into the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s removal of a pianist from a concert as the organisation’s managing director departs.
Peter Garrett Pic: Wikimedia Commons
Acclaimed pianist Jayson Gillham was due to participate in a concert at the Melbourne Town Hall earlier in August but was asked to step aside after performing a solo “dedicated to the journalists of Gaza” at a different event.
The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) said removing the Australian-British performer was an error and it had cancelled the entire performance over safety concerns.
Musicians requested an independent investigation into the incident and the orchestra’s leadership as they submitted a vote of no confidence to the board.
On Monday, the orchestra announced that managing director Sophie Galaise had left the organisation after eight years.
Orchestral leader Richard Wigley will immediately step in as a strategic advisor leading the management team in the wake of Ms Galaise’s departure.
“We recognise the recent pressures on our people and management and are comforted that a person of Richard’s capability can step in immediately to help ensure the MSO functions effectively through this review,” the board said in a statement.
Mr Wigley said he had previously been involved in rebuilding orchestras “after precarious phases in their histories”.
“A period of careful listening, considered discussion, sound judgement and implementation of appropriate changes is what comes next,” he said.
“I am confident that from difficult times comes fresh creative energies and sustained resilience.”
The orchestra also revealed Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett would lead an external, independent review with the assistance of KPMG Australia consultants.
The review will examine MSO’s policies, procedures and protocols including freedom of speech and artistic expression on stage.
The orchestra’s board said Mr Garrett’s review was needed to restore confidence in the organisation, adding the past few weeks had been a difficult experience for many 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 board said.
“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.”
Mr Garrett said his review could serve a broader purpose for others who would inevitably face similar challenges.
“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.
The board said it was committed to sharing details about the review when they were finalised.
By Rachael Ward in Melbourne/AAP
Public money is being misused if it is put in the service of causes utterly unacceptable to the public.
A murderous proscribed terrorist organisation has not call on our support or sympathy
What skills does Peter Garrett have to stop the Melbourne Jewish Community leaving the MSO?
What a shocking state of affairs this is turning out to be. The right decision was made at the time.
If it is found that artistic expression on the stage can include political and religious comment from artists, then an audience cannot buy tickets and attend with surety of experience of the artform only. Wokeism at its worst is what this is. Wonder what Peter Garrett will make of it?