Bullet points of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra says cancelling pianist performance over Gaza statement an ‘error’

Bullet points of Melbourne Symphony Orchestra says cancelling pianist performance over Gaza statement an ‘error’
- The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra cancelled a performance by pianist Jayson Gillham after he made introductory remarks about slain journalists in Gaza, citing safety concerns.
- Gillham was scheduled to perform Mozart and Brahms at the Melbourne Town Hall, but was removed from the event after the orchestra said he made remarks that were 'beyond the remit of his contract'.
- The MSO acknowledged that an error was made in asking Gillham to step back from the performance and is seeking to reschedule the concert.
- Gillham had dedicated a piece to the journalists of Gaza, which was written by Connor D'Netto and premiered at a previous concert.
- The piece, titled 'Witness', is a five-minute composition that is dedicated to the journalists of Gaza and was written for Gillham.
- Gillham's remarks at the previous concert included comments about the killing of Palestinian journalists, which the MSO said were 'beyond the remit of his contract'.
- The Australian Music Students' Association launched an open letter condemning the decision to remove Gillham from the concert, saying that supporting Gaza and opposing genocide are not political views.
- The composer of 'Witness', Connor D'Netto, described the piece as a 'slightly melancholy, meditative piece' that contemplates social media and how people are seeing 'horrific images' from around the world.