MEDIA RELEASE: Jayson Gillham’s Federal Court Case Delayed Six Months as MSO Expands Defence

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MEDIA RELEASE

11 November, 2025

Jayson Gillham’s Federal Court Case Delayed Six Months as MSO Expands Defence

The Federal Court has confirmed that Jayson Gillham’s case against the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has been delayed by six months and expanded from one to three weeks, following the MSO’s decision to call more than twenty witnesses, including senior board members, executives, and advisors. The hearing is now scheduled to begin in the Federal Court on 18 May 2026 and is expected to run for three weeks.

The delay and expansion were not sought by Gillham and result entirely from the MSO’s legal strategy.

Gillham is suing the MSO for discrimination on the basis of political belief, after it cancelled his performance in August 2024 following remarks he made in his concert introduction, in which he referred to the targeted killing of Palestinian journalists and provided context for the music he was about to perform. He also claims that a subsequent public statement by the MSO defamed him.

The case is now set to test the boundaries of freedom of expression in Australian workplaces, with implications that reach far beyond the arts. As the Australian Financial Review reported, the proceedings will examine “how much control employers can exercise over the political expression of their employees or contractors.”

“I am disappointed that rather than reflecting on what happened and supporting artistic freedom of expression, the MSO has chosen to entrench its position,” Gillham said. “I am continuing this case because I believe that freedom of expression and artistic integrity are fundamental to a healthy democracy. I wish it did not have to come to this, but I cannot walk away from the principle at stake.”

“The case has now tripled in size, with the MSO calling more than twenty witnesses,” said Gillham’s lawyer, Michael Bradley of Marque Lawyers. “This has turned what was meant to be a one-week hearing into a three-week trial and will make the proceedings substantially more expensive. Jayson did not seek this delay or expansion, which has arisen entirely from the MSO’s decision to broaden its defence.”

The hearing is now scheduled to begin in the Federal Court on 18 May 2026 and will run for three weeks. Gillham’s counsel team is led by Sheryn Omeri KC.

With the expanded hearing and extended timeframe, the costs of the proceedings have risen sharply. Gillham has launched a renewed appeal for public support to help fund the case.

Support the campaign: https://www.chuffed.org/project/justice-for-jayson

About Jayson Gillham 

Recognised as one of the finest pianists of his generation, the Australian-British artist has earned international acclaim for his compelling performances and warm communicative style. Described by Gramophone as a "story-teller" and by Limelight as "the ideal romantic," Gillham has performed with leading orchestras worldwide, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and all major Australian symphony orchestras.

jaysongillham.com

Media Contact: Samuel Cairnduff
RESONATE Communications
samuel.j.cairnduff@gmail.com | 0401 396 755


 

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