Media Statement: A statement from Jayson Gillham regarding the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the BBC Proms

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Media Statement

30 August, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A statement from Jayson Gillham regarding the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the BBC Proms

On Friday night, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s performance at the BBC Proms in London was interrupted by members of Jewish Artists for Palestine, who accused the orchestra of silencing artists critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza. The protest lasted more than ten minutes inside the Royal Albert Hall and drew global attention to the orchestra’s decision last year to cancel pianist Jayson Gillham’s performance following his remarks about the Gaza conflict.

Jayson Gillham said:

“While I feel for my friends and colleagues in the orchestra that had to endure this having played no part in my cancellation, the protest does highlight that the MSO brand has taken a nosedive globally because of the actions of its management in cancelling me just over one year ago. Silencing someone who wants to bring awareness to injustice and honour brave Palestinians resisting their own genocide is unpopular with artists everywhere. Artists do not want to be forced into silence on Palestine in order to get work and maintain a career in this industry. The MSO can work to rectify this by affirming that artists can and always have spoken on issues of conscience and have a right to do so on stage.”

Media Contact: Samuel Cairnduff 

RESONATE Communications 

samuel.j.cairnduff@gmail.com  | 0401 396 755

 

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