MSO says concert pianist who dedicated performance to Palestinian journalists ‘abused his position’

Jayson Gillham's demands include an affirmation of artists' rights to speak freely, but Melbourne Symphony Orchestra says it won't happen

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Melbourne Symphony Orchestra appears to have doubled down in a brewing legal battle with the concert pianist Jayson Gillham, whose performance was cancelled after a dedication on stage to Palestinian journalists who had died in the Gaza conflict.

The MSO was given a 5pm deadline last Thursday to respond to a letter by Marque Lawyers outlining Gillham's concerns over the orchestra's handling of his Melbourne performance, which was reinstated after widespread outcry.