Jayson Gillham speaks after Melbourne Symphony Orchestra cancelled concert over Gaza comments
Jayson Gillham speaks after Melbourne Symphony Orchestra cancelled concert over Gaza comments
Jayson Gillham, whose scheduled performance with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra was abruptly cancelled last week, talks about choosing to highlight the plight of journalists in Gaza at concert.
In short:
Pianist Jayson Gillham says he chose to play Witness at a Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) concert to "remind people" about the war in Gaza.
The MSO cancelled his next performance as a result of his comments, leading its musicians to pass a vote of no confidence in management on Friday.
What's next?
The MSO intend to reschedule Gillham's performance, with Gillham saying he hopes "to find a way forward".
Read this article straight after also. Its a terrible look for Schwartz media and anybody else using powerful positions to silence others.
Schwartz Media has been under boycott by Palestine activists for a while now, though I don't think it's publicised enough.
It's on a list here: https://palestinetoolkit.org/hold-institutions-accountable/media-and-arts/#boycott-schwartz-media
This article also gives some background: https://www.crikey.com.au/2023/04/24/statements-from-the-soul-zionism-indigenous-sovereignty/