A dispute between the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and pianist Jayson Gillham has escalated, with the orchestra's lawyers accusing him of making outrageous demands.
The acclaimed pianist performed a solo at an MSO event on August 11, prefaced by a dedication to journalists killed in Gaza.
The orchestra then asked him not to perform at a concert at the Melbourne Town Hall scheduled for August 15, before cancelling the entire event over safety concerns.
In an open letter, the orchestra's lawyer Leon Zwier said Mr Gillham had made outrageous demands for compensation.
"Your letters make serious allegations about breaches of the law by MSO. They are wrong and Mr Gillham knows they are wrong," Leon Zwier from Arnold Bloch Leibler said.
"Mr Gillham has made outrageous demands of MSO for compensation and other relief. They will never be met."
The pianist had abused his position by using a MSO concert to air his political opinions, the letter dated Friday stated.
In response, Gillham said he was deeply disappointed by the letter and alleged the orchestra had discriminated against him.
"The implication that my actions caused safety concerns is unfounded and deeply troubling," he said in a statement issued Sunday.
The orchestra's actions constituted direct discrimination due to political belief or activity, protected under the Equal Opportunity Act, and also violated protections under the Fair Work Act, he claimed.
"I stand firmly by my actions and words. As an artist, I believe it is not only my right but my responsibility to use my platform to shed light on important issues," he said.
"The factual statement I made about the plight of Palestinian journalists is backed by reputable sources and aligns with international law."
The independent Committee to Protect Journalists says its preliminary investigations show at least 116 journalists and media workers are among 41,000 killed since Israel declared war on Hamas following the terrorist organisation's October 7 attacks.
Gillham stated he had initially requested a public apology, compensation for reputational damage, an affirmation of artists' rights to free speech, and future performance opportunities with the orchestra.
He had also asked the MSO to commission a piano concerto by a Palestinian composer and make a donation to a Palestinian music organisation.
As the dispute escalates, the orchestra is already in disarray, with the recent departure of managing director Sophie Galaise, and musicians passing a vote of no confidence in senior management.
Former arts minister and musician Peter Garrett will lead an independent investigation into the incident with consultants KPMG Australia.
The review will examine MSO's policies, procedures and protocols including freedom of speech and artistic expression on stage.
"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, announcing the review last Monday.
On Friday, Gillham and composer Connor D'Netto released the music that initially sparked the dispute, as a fundraiser for a charity that supports Palestine.
