Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Managing Director Steps Down

Sophie Galaise will leave the organization after a "vote of no confidence" by its musicians

A statement from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has said that Sophie Galaise had “left the organisation, with the board appointing experienced orchestral leader Richard Wigley as strategic advisor to lead the management team with immediate effect.”

“We want to acknowledge Sophie’s contribution over the past eight years at the MSO and thank her for her dedication to the organization," the statement reads. "We recognize the recent pressures on our people and management and are comforted that a person of Richard’s capability can step in immediately.”

This move comes after the MSO management canceled pianist Jayson Gillham's concerto appearance, after he gave a solo recital that included a piece about the plight of journalists in the Gaza Strip.

After that, the MSO's players passed a vote of no confidence in their Managing Director Sophie Galaise and Chief Operating Officer Guy Ross.

According to the letter, the players felt that the orchestra's executives have made numerous decisions like this one without consulting their artistic staff, and that this has resulted in "significant negative artistic and financial impacts on the MSO." The vote of no confidence was passed "by overwhelming majority."

MSO management has now admitted that they made "an error" in removing Gillham's performance, and they are looking to reschedule his planned concerto appearance for a later date.

The orchestra also released a statement on August 16, 2024, saying they will "conduct an independent, external review into the policies, procedures, and processes following this week’s decision to cancel the concert of Jayson Gillham."

The musician and former arts minister Peter Garrett has been appointed to lead the external review.

“The board recognises the past few weeks has been a difficult experience for many of our people," a statement reads. "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 appointment of Peter, supported by KPMG, will provide confidence to our musicians, our people and wider community that we are serious about the process.”