Snub For MSO as Gigs Are Canned

A band has postponed three shows with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as tensions continue to simmer within the arts community.

Melbourne band The Cat Empire announced on Friday it had decided to cancel three upcoming performances with the MSO, after this masthead broke the story the orchestra’s musicians had passed a vote of no confidence in its senior management.

The move came after the MSO axed acclaimed pianist Jayson Gillham from a performance on Thursday, ostensibly because days earlier he had dedicated a solo performance to journalists under threat and killed in Gaza.

The drama prompted The Cat Empire to announce it was postponing three shows with the MSO scheduled between August 22 and 24.

“We value the principles of freedom of speech, artistic expression, and inclusivity.

“Therefore, in good conscience, we’ve made the decision to postpone next week’s shows at Hamer Hall,” the band said on Instagram.

“This decision is incredibly disappointing as we’ve been working tirelessly to deliver an incredible show.”

The band said it “strongly” supported Gillham and other musicians in the orchestra, “many of whom are our friends and contemporaries [who] have been put in an uncomfortable situation”.

“We have been assured that the MSO organisation is working to resolve the situation, and hope that we can reach a resolution.

“When these changes align with our beliefs as a band, we strongly hope these shows can go ahead, and we can get back to celebrating music in a free, inclusive and genuinely expressive way.”

A spokesperson for the MSO confirmed on Friday a review would take place, including an investigation of the events leading up to the decision to cancel Gillham’s concert.

The musicians had earlier condemned the actions of MSO managing director Sophie Galaise and chief operating officer Guy Ross for what they claimed were “dismissive” responses to mediation attempts.