The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s managing director, Sophie Galaise, has resigned, effective immediately.
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Galaise, who has been managing director of the MSO since April 2016, will be replaced by Richard Wigley, a musician originally from New Zealand, the orchestra has announced.
MSO managing director Sophie Galaise has left the organisation.Credit: Laura Manariti
Former federal arts minister and Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett will lead an independent external review into the organisation, supported by professional services firm KPMG Australia.
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“The Garrett review will evaluate MSO’s policies, procedures and processes, and cover protocols around freedom of speech and artistic expression on stage,” a statement from the orchestra said.
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Galaise has been under fire since the MSO dropped acclaimed pianist Jayson Gillham from its line-up, over comments he made at a performance earlier this month, in introducing a piece dedicated to journalists killed in Gaza. The organisation later cancelled the concert and said the decision to remove Gillham was an “error”. Gillham has since threatened legal action against the orchestra.
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Last week, the musicians of the MSO passed a vote of no confidence in senior management and wrote to the board expressing their anger over that decision, calling for the resignation of Galaise and chief operating officer Guy Ross.
In a statement via the MSO, Garrett said he hoped his review might guide other arts organisations as well.
“Performing arts organisations are facing complex issues around freedom of expression whilst maintaining long-term sustainability in a dynamic and increasingly highly charged environment. If we get this right, the review may also serve a broader purpose for others who will inevitably face similar challenges,” he said.
