Melbourne Symphony Records Largest Loss in its History

The MSO's Annual Report 2024 reveals that substantial sums were spent on the fallout with Jayson Gillham, and the orchestra's total deficit of $3.3. million was the largest in its history

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) has recorded an unprecedented deficit of $3.3 million in its 2024 Annual Report, owing largely to costs incurred as a result of its fallout with the pianist Jayson Gillham in August 2024.

The MSO opted to remove Gillham from a concerto appearance after he made comments about the murder of Palestinian journalists while introducing a work on the same theme at a solo recital in the MSO's Iwaki Auditorium.

At the time, the MSO described Gillham's comments as an "intrusion of personal political views," adding that he made these remarks "without seeking the MSO’s approval or sanction."

In October 2025, Gillham sued the orchestra, claiming that the MSO had breached both the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 and the Fair Work Act 2009.

In May 2025, the orchestra's annual report noted an operating deficit of $1.9 million as ticket sales fell 11%.

A substantial amount of the overall $3.3 million deficit, however, derives from costs related to Gillham's case. The MSO spent $689,000 on "case management and response costs," which likely includes legal fees (though the MSO declined to break down that figure any further).

Following Gillham's cancellation, the MSO's players passed a vote of no confidence in the orchestra's management, which resulted in managing director Sophie Galaise being fired by the MSO board. The annual report noted a total of $954,000 was required for "staff costs associated with restructure and separation," presumably in the wake of Galaise's dismissal.

The cost of living crisis also be a factor in the MSO's deficit, with the Australian Financial Review reporting that the Sydney Symphony Orchestra's ticket sales fell 3.1%.

In May, pianist Jayson Gillham wrote that "The Federal Court has dismissed the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s attempt to strike out my case.

"The court ruled that my claim has reasonable prospects of success and must be heard at trial," he added with a link to his crowdfunding page.

"This is not just about one cancelled concert. It’s about the right of all artists to speak truthfully without fear. It’s about standing up to the growing pressure to stay silent on human rights issues. I was removed from an MSO performance for introducing a piece dedicated to journalists killed in Gaza, where I shared factual, verified information. The orchestra claimed this was an inappropriate political intrusion. This court decision affirms that I deserve the right to be heard. Your support has brought us to this point — and I need it more than ever as we move toward trial. Thank you for standing with me. For truth, for justice, for the role of art in public life."