London: A high-profile protest disrupted the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s performance at the BBC Proms in London’s Royal Albert Hall, drawing global attention to the ongoing legal battle between Australian pianist Jayson Gillham and the orchestra.
The disturbance occurred when members of the group Jewish Artists for Palestine interrupted the concert, shouting slogans such as “You silenced Jayson Gillham” and “The MSO has blood on its hands.” Banners were also unfurled accusing the orchestra of complicity in human rights violations. The interruption lasted more than ten minutes before security escorted the protesters out of the hall.
The BBC, which was broadcasting the concert live on Radio 3, switched to pre-recorded music during the protest and later apologized to listeners. The performance resumed after the disruption, though the program was reordered to restore calm in the audience. Reports noted that the incident created a tense atmosphere, with some audience members booing while others expressed anger at the interruption.
The protests stem from the controversy surrounding Gillham, who in August 2024 dedicated a piece by composer Connor D’Netto to Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza, describing such attacks as war crimes under international law. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra subsequently canceled one of his performances, citing “unauthorized” remarks, but later reversed its decision amid backlash and internal dissent. The cancellation led to accusations of silencing political expression and sparked international debate on artistic freedom.
Following the dispute, Gillham filed a discrimination lawsuit against the orchestra, alleging violations of equal opportunity and workplace protections. The Australian Federal Court accepted the case, which is scheduled for trial beginning December 1, 2025. The proceedings are expected to last five days.
The Proms disruption has brought renewed attention to Gillham’s case and has intensified debate over the balance between artistic expression and institutional authority. Critics argue that the orchestra’s actions highlight the suppression of dissenting voices, while supporters of the decision stress the importance of organizational protocols in politically charged environments.
For the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, the disruption at one of the world’s most prestigious classical music festivals marks a significant challenge as it faces reputational scrutiny. For Gillham and his supporters, the upcoming trial is seen as a test case for freedom of speech in the arts and may set a precedent for how cultural institutions respond to artists engaging with humanitarian and political issues.