Months before the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) became embroiled in a controversy over the war in Gaza, relationships within the organization were strained to the point of dysfunction. The departure of director Sophie Galaise amid a crisis she created by cancelling a performance due to on-stage comments about Gaza sheds light on the administrative cold war that had been brewing for months. Galaise’s authorization of payments to Firefly Productions, a Sydney production company, had raised concerns within the board, leading to a review that was abruptly discontinued when her tenure ended.
The breakdown in trust between Galaise and the board escalated when pianist Jayson Gillham made political comments onstage, leading to the cancellation of his second performance. This decision, made without consulting the board, further strained relationships and thrust the MSO into the spotlight of the Israel/Palestine conflict. Despite minimal backlash from Jewish community groups or audience members, the decision to cancel Gillham’s performance was widely criticized by pro-Palestinian activists, leading to a public uproar.
Gillham’s politically charged social media posts and on-stage comments were not flagged with the MSO prior to his performance, but the board believed Galaise overreacted and sought to rectify the situation. Efforts were made to salvage the second performance, but ultimately it was cancelled due to security concerns about potential protests outside the venue. The board recognized the mishandling of the situation and acknowledged the need for a change in approach moving forward.
Galaise’s distant relationship with the board, exacerbated by her handling of the crisis and failure to prioritize the situation in Melbourne, led to her resignation. The MSO musicians expressed a lack of confidence in senior management, calling for resignations and highlighting unresolved issues and a decline in workplace culture. The orchestra’s criticism also stemmed from the decision to stand down the orchestra during COVID lockdowns, while management staff continued to receive salaries, leading to further discontent within the organization.
Moving forward, the MSO is undergoing an external review led by Peter Garrett to examine protocols and policies related to artistic expression. The fallout from the controversy involving Gillham and Galaise has highlighted deeper issues within the organization that need to be addressed. The search for a settlement between Gillham and the MSO continues as both parties seek to resolve the avoidable mess that has unfolded. As the MSO navigates this challenging period, there is a need for transparency, accountability, and a renewed focus on rebuilding trust and fostering a positive workplace culture within the organization.
