Pianist Jayson Gillham Sues Melbourne Symphony Over Gaza Remarks
Jayson Gillham, a 39-year-old pianist based in London and Australia, is suing the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) for political discrimination after they canceled his recital planned for August 2024. This decision followed his tribute to fallen journalists in Gaza during a concert on August 11, where he performed a piece by composer Connor D'Netto. Although MSO initially apologized for their actions, rescheduling talks failed, prompting Gillham to take legal action in October 2024, with a hearing set for May 18, 2026. He is also set to launch a tour titled "Keys to Life" on July 19, featuring Jordanian Palestinian pianist Iyad Sughayer.
Key facts
- Jayson Gillham is suing Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for discrimination based on political belief.
- The MSO cancelled Gillham's recital after he dedicated a piece to journalists killed in Gaza.
- Gillham's remarks referenced over 100 Palestinian journalists killed by Israel, calling it a war crime.
- The MSO initially apologized, then admitted the cancellation was an error.
- Legal action was launched in October 2024; final hearing begins May 18, 2026.
- Gillham announced a new tour, Keys to Life, with pianist Iyad Sughayer starting July 19, 2026.
- The tour includes works by Mozart, Debussy, Ravel, Khachaturian, and a new piece by Houtaf Khoury.
- Fundraising for legal costs has raised over $172,000.
Entities
Artists
- Jayson Gillham
- Connor D'Netto
- Iyad Sughayer
- Houtaf Khoury
- Mozart
- Debussy
- Ravel
- Khachaturian
- Arensky
- Chabrier
- Vladimir Ashkenazy
- Peter Garrett
Institutions
- Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
- Federal Court
- Melbourne Recital Centre
- Sydney Symphony Orchestra
- International Federation of Journalists
- The Cat Empire
Locations
- London
- Melbourne
- Australia
- Gaza
- Israel
- Manchester
- UK
- Brisbane
- Adelaide
- Sydney