<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>327657</docID> <postdate>2024-08-26 14:37:58</postdate> <headline>Peter Garrett to conduct review into cancelled concert</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-327658" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20230623001813786656-original-resized-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>Former Labor politician Peter Garrett will lead a review of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Rachael Ward</strong> in Melbourne</span></p> <p><strong>Former arts minister and musician Peter Garrett will lead an investigation into the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra's removal of a pianist from a concert as the organisation's managing director departs.</strong></p> <p>Acclaimed pianist Jayson Gillham was due to participate in a concert at the Melbourne Town Hall earlier in August but was asked to step aside after performing a solo "dedicated to the journalists of Gaza" at a different event.</p> <p>The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) said removing the Australian-British performer was an error and it had cancelled the entire performance over safety concerns.</p> <p>Musicians requested an independent investigation into the incident and the orchestra's leadership as they submitted a vote of no confidence to the board.</p> <p>The orchestra on Monday announced managing director Sophie Galaise had left the organisation after eight years.</p> <p>Orchestral leader Richard Wigley will immediately step in as a strategic advisor leading the management team in the wake of Ms Galaise's departure.</p> <p>"We recognise the recent pressures on our people and management and are comforted that a person of Richard's capability can step in immediately to help ensure the MSO functions effectively through this review," the board said in a statement.</p> <p>Mr Wigley said he had previously been involved in rebuilding orchestras "after precarious phases in their histories".</p> <p>"A period of careful listening, considered discussion, sound judgement and implementation of appropriate changes is what comes next," he said.</p> <p>"I am confident that from difficult times comes fresh creative energies and sustained resilience."</p> <p>The orchestra also revealed Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett would lead an external, independent review with the assistance of KPMG Australia consultants.</p> <p>The review will examine MSO's policies, procedures and protocols including freedom of speech and artistic expression on stage.</p> <p>The orchestra's board said Mr Garrett's review was needed to restore confidence in the organisation, adding the past few weeks had been a difficult experience for many people.</p> <p>"There is a clear understanding that we need to learn from these events to ensure the MSO is best positioned to continue offering world-class cultural experiences for our valued audiences," the board said.</p> <p>"The appointment of Peter, supported by KPMG, will provide confidence to our musicians, our people and wider community that we are serious about the process."</p> <p>Mr Garrett said his review could serve a broader purpose for others who would inevitably face similar challenges.</p> <p>"Performing arts organisations are facing complex issues around freedom of expression whilst maintaining long-term sustainability in a dynamic and increasingly highly charged environment," he said.</p> <p>The board said it was committed to sharing details about the review when they were finalised.</p> </body>