The Cat Empire Postpone Three Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Shows Over MSO Gaza Knee-Jerk - Noise11.com
Felix Riebl of The Cat Empire photo by Ros O'Gorman

Felix Riebl of The Cat Empire photo by Ros O'Gorman

The Cat Empire Postpone Three Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Shows Over MSO Gaza Knee-Jerk

by Paul Cashmere on August 17, 2024

in News

The Cat Empire have postponed their three upcoming shows with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra after the MSO cancelled pianist Jayson Gillham over comments he made about journalist killed in Gaza.

Gillham dedicated a piece to the “journalists of Gaza”. The ABC reports Gillham said at Sunday, “The killing of journalists is a war crime in international law, and it is done in an effort to prevent the documentation and broadcasting of war crimes to the world.”

Gillham’s August 15 performance was then cancelled by senior management prompting musicians in the orchestra to pass a vote of no confidence in their management.

The Cat Empire had three shows scheduled with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

The Cat Empire with the Melbourne Symphony OrchestraDates: Thursday 22, Friday 23 and Saturday 24 August, 7.30pmVenue: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne

In a statement The Cat Empire posted to their socials, “We are writing with deep sadness regarding the recent cancellation of pianist Jayson Gillham’s concert with the MSO, following his dedication of a music composition to journalists killed in Gaza.

“We value the principles of freedom of speech, artistic expression, and inclusivity. Therefore, in good conscience, we’ve made the decision to postpone next week’s shows at Hamer Hall.

“This decision is incredibly disappointing as we’ve been working tirelessly to deliver an incredible show. We strongly support Jayson and the talented musicians in the orchestra, many of whom are our friends and contemporaries. They too have been put in an uncomfortable situation.

“We have been assured that the MSO organisation is working to resolve the situation, and hope that we can reach a resolution. When these changes align with our beliefs as a band, we strongly hope these shows can go ahead, and we can get back to celebrating music in a free, inclusive and genuinely expressive way.

“To Melbourne fans and those travelling to Melbourne next week, please stand by as we are working hard on something for you”.

113 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the Israel started its assault on Palestine.

Stay updated with your free Noise11.com daily music news email alert. Subscribe to Noise11 Music News here

Be the first to see NOISE11.com’s newest interviews and special features on YOUTUBE and updated regularly. See things first SUBSCRIBE here: Noise11 on YouTube SUBSCRIBE

YouTube video player

Noise11.com

Related Posts

Tame Impala
Tame Impala Premieres New Song ‘End of Summer’ By Artist Julian Klincewicz

Kevin Parker’s Tame Impala has a new song ‘End of Summer’ with a video created by artist Julian Klincewicz.

2 days ago
The Hives at The Forum Melbourne #REVIEW

The Hives last toured our shores a decade ago, with the reputation as one of the best live acts around, still intact. Showcasing their latest album, The Hives Forever, Forever the Hives, due for release in August this year.

3 days ago
Coldplay at Marvel Stadium Melbourne 30 October 2024 photo credit @jordankmunns supplied by Live Nation
Coldplay Pay Tribute To Ozzy Osbourne

Coldplay honoured late rocker Ozzy Osbourne by covering Black Sabbath's song Changes during their show in Nashville on Tuesday night.

3 days ago
The Darkness
The Darkness Have 2026 Australia and New Zealand Dates

The Darkness will tour Australia and New Zealand for 2026 dates around their eighth album ‘Dreams on Toast’.

6 days ago
Chris Faiumu of Fat Freddys Drop
Fat Freddy’s Drop’s Chris Ta’aloga Faiumu (aka DJ Mu) Has Died

Chris ‘Mu’ Faiumu of New Zealand’s Fat Freddy’s Drop died suddenly on Wednesday.

July 18, 2025
Taylor Swift photo by Ros O'Gorman
Scott Swift Father of Taylor Swift Recovering From Major Heart Surgery

Taylor Swift's dad, Scott Swift, is recovering from major heart surgery.

July 17, 2025
Serge Pizzorno, Kasabian - Image By Ros O'Gorman
Serge Pizzorno of Kasabian Awarded A Doctorate

In a true homecoming moment, Sergio 'Serge' Pizzorno, co-founder and driving force behind the world-renowned indie rock band Kasabian, was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Music by the University of Leicester yesterday, July 16, at a summer graduation ceremony held at De Montfort Hall.

July 17, 2025