MEDIA RELEASE: A statement from Jayson Gillham on resolution with Sophie Galaise and ongoing case against MSO

MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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31 March 2025

A statement from Jayson Gillham on resolution with Sophie Galaise and ongoing case against MSO

I acknowledge the statement made by Sophie Galaise regarding the events surrounding the cancellation of my performance with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra on 15 August 2024.

I appreciate that Ms Galaise has expressed regret for the circumstances that led to the cancellation and that she has accepted that I believe I was entitled to speak as I did during my recital on 11 August 2024.

I am pleased to report that the former dispute between me and Sophie Galaise has now been resolved

My case against the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, however, remains ongoing. A hearing took place in the Federal Court on 17 March 2025, following the MSO’s attempt to have the case thrown out on the basis that freelance artists are not protected under workplace discrimination laws. I am challenging that claim.

This case is about more than one performance. It raises serious questions about whether freelance and contracted workers across Australia — in the arts and beyond — are protected from discrimination based on political belief. If the MSO’s argument is accepted, it could create a dangerous precedent allowing employers to sidestep anti-discrimination protections through contract structures.

I remain committed to pursuing this case to ensure that artistic freedom, freedom of expression, and workplace rights are upheld for all workers, regardless of how they are engaged.

I continue to be deeply alarmed and concerned about the increasing pressure being applied to cultural organisations to silence and deplatform artists who make public statements in support of Palestine. The recent decision by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner to withdraw Brisbane City Council funding from the Queensland Music Awards following pianist Kellee Green’s acceptance speech — in which she spoke about the suffering of Palestinian civilians and urged peaceful protest and action — is yet another example of this troubling trend. Attempts to label such speech as “hate” in order to suppress political expression are not only damaging to individual artists, but also to the health and integrity of our cultural institutions and public discourse.

Now, more than ever, we must uphold the principles of artistic freedom, open dialogue, and the right to speak out against injustice — especially within the arts.

— Jayson Gillham

ENDS

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