Key Points
- Jayson Gillham dedicated a solo "to the journalists of Gaza" and said they were being killed to "prevent the documentation of war crimes".
- The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra cancelled his concert at Melbourne Town Hall citing "safety concerns".
- It later admitted the decision had been an "error" but said a concert platform was "not an appropriate stage for political comment".
Removing acclaimed pianist Jayson Gillham from a performance after he spoke in support of journalists who died in Gaza was an error, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) admitted.
Gillham had been due to appear at a show at Melbourne Town Hall on Thursday night but was asked to step aside after he performed a solo "dedicated to the journalists of Gaza".
The MSO has cancelled the entire concert citing "safety concerns".
"The MSO acknowledges that an error was made in asking Jayson Gillham to step back from his performance," an orchestra spokesperson said.
"While the MSO maintains that a concert platform is not an appropriate stage for political comment, we acknowledge Jayson's concerns for those in the Middle East and elsewhere."
On Sunday, the pianist performed Witness, from Australian composer Connor D'Netto, a piece dedicated to journalists in Gaza.
"The killing of journalists is a war crime in international law, and it is done in an effort to prevent the documentation and broadcasting of war crimes to the world," Gillham said at the time.
"In addition to the role of journalists who bear witness, the word witness in Arabic is shaheed, which also means martyr."
Gillham's removal made headlines across the world and sparked backlash.
The orchestra said independent security advice left the board and management "with no option but to cancel the concert" on Thursday, however, it will be rescheduled.
"We recognise the strength of feelings of all parties on this matter and particularly acknowledge the dedication and commitment demonstrated by all our musicians and staff this week," the spokesperson said.
Conflicts in the Middle East region involving Palestinians and Israelis escalated on October 7.
Hamas, designated a terrorist organisation by the Australian government, launched an assault that killed 1,200 people with more than 200 taken hostage, according to Israeli authorities.
Israel then launched a bombing campaign and ground offensive that has killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians, according to the health ministry in Gaza.
