The musicians of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra have sensationally passed a vote of no confidence in their senior management, after an acclaimed pianist was removed from a performance because he spoke in support of journalists who died in Gaza.
“We believe it is the duty of senior management to lead and manage in accordance with the MSO’s Values and Behaviours, however it has become apparent that these values no longer appear to be aligned with those of the Orchestra and staff,” the letter read.
At a concert on Sunday, Jayson Gillham dedicated a solo to journalists in Gaza — then had his following concert on Thursday cancelled.
So does that mean the Pianist gets his job back?
The pianist, Jayson Gillham is an international soloist. He is not a member of the orchestra. He was hired to play one weekend in Melbourne. He’s scheduled to play in many other places with many other orchestras in the coming months. He’ll be fine.
Its doubtful he even lost any money from the canceled shows in Melbourne. A professional soloist with legal council wouldn’t sign a contract with a clause allowing the orchestra to unilaterally terminate the contract without pay. Beyond force majeure, you have to pay for concerts canceled at the last minute, at least in every contract I’ve read.
