Melbourne Symphony Orchestra board promises independent review after musicians revolt over Gaza comments controversy | Melbourne

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will undergo an independent investigation into its policies following the decision to cancel a performance by renowned pianist Jason Gillham shortly after he commented on the killing of journalists in Gaza.

It came after orchestra members passed a motion of no confidence in leadership on Friday over the cancellation of Gillham’s performances, according to a letter sent to the board by staff and seen by Guardian Australia.

On Sunday, Gilham premiered a piece dedicated to journalists killed in Gaza, telling the audience that Israel’s killings of journalists were “targeted assassinations” and that “the killing of journalists is a war crime under international law.”

In an email sent to audiences, the MSO announced that Gillham would not be appearing at a planned event on Thursday – where he was due to play Mozart and Brahms with the MSO at Melbourne Town Hall – due to “a series of introductory comments” made during the performance without the MSO’s “approval.” Sunday Concert.

In a statement later posted on the event’s page, MSO management said it had been a “mistake” to cancel the show, and that they were “in constructive negotiations with Jason and his management to explore rescheduling the concert.”

In their letter, the orchestra’s musicians wrote that they believe the cancellations represent “the culmination of years of unresolved concerns, ongoing mismanagement, and a consistent decline in workplace culture that is undermining employee well-being and the company’s long-term success.”

“We no longer have confidence in senior management’s ability to make decisions in the best interest of the company as a whole,” they said in the letter.

“We will conduct an independent external review into our policies, procedures and processes,” MSO’s board said in a statement to Guardian Australia on Friday.

The statement said the investigation would “examine the decisions” that led to the decision to cancel Mr Gillham’s event.

“The board decided that a formal review would provide transparency and certainty to stakeholders, including musicians, management and employees, as well as the wider community, including audiences, supporters and other stakeholders,” it said, adding that further information, including the review’s terms of reference, would be provided once details have been finalised.

“This review will ensure our policies and processes reflect best practice in the modern environment.

“Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is determined to ensure we have protocols in place that are appropriate to the purpose of our organisation and the role we play in the community.”

The musicians’ letter called for a “full and impartial investigation” into Gillham’s cancellation of shows and his “general standards of leadership”.

“While orchestra members are by no means taking this decision lightly, we believe this decision is critical to the orchestra’s survival given the damage that has been done to the MSO’s reputation,” they wrote.

“We believe it is the duty of senior management to lead and manage in accordance with the MSO’s values ​​and behaviors, but it has become apparent that these values ​​are no longer aligned with those of the orchestra and staff.”

Australian jazz-funk band Cat Empire said on Friday they were “in good conscience” postponing a show scheduled for next week at Hamer Hall after the MSO cancelled their Gillham show, and said they “strongly support” the MSO musicians.

“We are confident that the MSO organization is working to resolve the situation and hope that a resolution can be reached,” the band wrote on social media.

“When these changes align with our beliefs as a band, we very much hope that these shows can go on as scheduled and that we can once again enjoy music in a free, inclusive and truly expressive way.”