The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has acknowledged it made an "error" by canceling a performance by renowned pianist Jayson Gillham due to his comments on the Israeli war on Gaza.

On Sunday, Gillham premiered a five-minute piece titled Witness, composed by Connor D’Netto, which was dedicated to Gaza's journalists. Before the performance, Gillham stated that "Israel" had killed over 100 Palestinian journalists.

"I am not ashamed to stand in front of the camera and say I am hungry. Many children ask me for something to eat, and they do not know that, like them, I cannot sleep at night because of hunger"
-Journalist Ismail Al-Ghoul
Now, no hunger, no fear, no betrayal,in paradise! pic.twitter.com/Z6Ub0fHxq5

— Ahmed El-Madhoun (@madhoun95) July 31, 2024

Following these remarks, the MSO decided to remove the British-Australian pianist from an upcoming concert on Thursday, citing that his comments had placed them in a "difficult situation".

Now the entire concert, due to be held at Melbourne Town Hall, has been canceled due to "safety concerns".

The MSO says they are trying to reschedule the performance.

At Sunday’s concert, which was held at the Iwaki Auditorium in Melbourne, Jayson Gillham performed a range of other works, from Beethoven to Chopin.

Witness was a last-minute addition, according to the MSO.

"The killing of journalists is a war crime under international law, intended to prevent the documentation and broadcasting of war crimes to the world," Gillham stated earnestly before performing Witness.

In a statement on Thursday, the MSO said, "While the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra maintains that a concert platform is not an appropriate stage for political comment, we acknowledge Jayson’s concerns for those in the Middle East and elsewhere."

“We recognize the strength of feelings of all parties on this matter and particularly acknowledge the dedication and commitment demonstrated by all our musicians and staff this week,” it added.

On his part, Gillham has acknowledged and accepted the MSO’s apology, stating, “I hold my relationship with the MSO, its players, and audience with the highest regard and look forward to our continued working relationship in years to come.” 

The cancellation was 'truly appalling'

The MSO's decision and subsequent apology have sparked significant reactions on social media. Prominent barrister Greg Barns called the cancellation “truly appalling", further stating that “art is often powerful because it’s political.”

Arts critic and former chairman of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Leo Schofield, commented on the MSO’s apology, stating, “Not before time. How I wish Gillham was giving a concert in Sydney. He would get a standing ovation here from supporters who admire his courage almost as much as they admire his talent.”

Just cancelling @MelbSymphony tickets It is cancelling a musician for speaking up for #Palestinians who are victims of #GenocideByIsrael @jaysongillham we stand with you

— Greg Barns SC (@BarnsGreg) August 12, 2024

The ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza, now extending into its 314th day, remains a highly contentious issue and a focal point of political debate in Australia. The situation has sparked numerous pro-Palestine protests worldwide, reflecting global condemnation of the Israeli blockade and its severe impact on civilians. Gaza's Health Ministry reported that at least 40,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7 amid widespread starvation due to the total Israeli blockade. This protracted crisis continues to fuel intense political and public discourse, both in Australia and internationally.

Read more: Australia may soon recognize Palestinian statehood: FM Wong

'Israel' killed more than 160 journalists since Oct. 7

Last month, the media office of Gaza’s government reported that at least 160 journalists have been killed in the Strip since Israeli airstrikes began in October.

The Gaza Government Media Office had previously accused the Israeli occupation of deliberately targeting journalists with the aim of obscuring the Palestinian narrative, distorting facts, and preventing journalists from documenting the crimes of the Israeli occupation forces to the public.

Here is another Palestinian Jounalist murdered with his entire family! His name was Mohammad al Jaja! Israel is deliberately targeting everyone in Gaza! This is not about Hamas, but about land theft through apartheid genocide.. #GazaGenocide pic.twitter.com/Yi927J5HZH

— Fares Shehabi فارس الشهابي (@ShehabiFares) November 6, 2023

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has repeatedly condemned the killing of journalists in Gaza, calling for the necessity of protecting them from the violence of the Israeli occupation forces and enabling them to perform their work.

It is worth noting that Al Mayadeen's correspondent, Farah Omar, cameraman Rabih Me'mari, and freelancer Hussien Akil were murdered, on November 21, in an Israeli airstrike on their location in Tayr Harfa, South Lebanon. An Israeli warplane fired two rockets at their location.

Farah and Rabih had just ended a live broadcast at 10 am, giving updates on the latest Israeli bombardment in South Lebanon. The three were targeted soon after they wrapped up their coverage and went off air.

Read next: Ben Jeddou: 'You will not be able to silence the voice of Al Mayadeen'