The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has cancelled a performance by an acclaimed pianist over comments he made while introducing a new piece of music dedicated to journalists killed in Gaza. Jayson Gillham was due to play Mozart and Brahms at the Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday, with Jen Winley as conductor, accompanied by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. On Tuesday morning, the MSO confirmed Gillham would not be performing at the event, even though he remained on the MSO website and tickets could still be purchased, following remarks he made on stage on during a performance on Sunday.
Pianist Jayson Gillham. Credit: Internet The 37-year-old made his comments at MSO’s Iwaki Auditorium before playing a five-minute piece for piano by Australian composer Connor D’Netto called Witness . D’Netto’s website states the piece is “dedicated to the journalists of Gaza” .
In a letter sent to attendees of Sunday’s recital, the MSO described Gillham’s comments as “an intrusion of personal political views”. The letter stated: “During Jayson Gillham’s performance yesterday (Sunday 11 August) Mr Gillham made a series of introductory remarks prior to giving the world premiere of the Conor D’Netto piece Witness , a late addition to the advertised programme. “Witness was accepted for performance at the request of Mr Gillham on the basis that it was a short meditative piece.
Mr Gillham made his personal remarks without seeking the MSO’s approval or sanction. They were an intrusion of personal political views on what should have been a morning focused on a program of works for solo piano.” Chief conductor Jaime Martin with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra earlier this year.
Credit: Mark Gambino The MSO said it was not made aware of the remarks Gillham intended to make and that they were “made completely without authority”. “The MSO does not condone the use of our stage as a platform for expressing personal views. Mr Gillham will not be performing in the advertised concert with the MSO this Thursday night at Melbourne Town Hall.
Customers will be advised of this change to Thursday’s program as soon as possible.” “The MSO understands that his remarks have caused offence and distress and offers a sincere apology, ” the letter said. “In standing for humanity and peace we seek for every one of our performances to be a welcome and safe place for all.
” Gillham, an acclaimed British-Australian pianist whom the MSO itself describes as “one of the finest pianists of his generation” performed at Manchester Cathedral in June at a concert that raised funds for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. His current Instagram profile reads: “Music might not save the world, but it can remind us what we are fighting to save. May every note ring with the sound of truth and freedom.
” Gillham was contacted for comment. Save Log in , register or subscribe to save articles for later. License this article Live music Arts For subscribers Kerrie O'Brien is a senior writer, culture, at The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.
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