Melbourne Symphony Orchestra boss steps down and Peter Garrett appointed to lead review

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s managing director Sophie Galaise has left the organisation, as musician and former arts minister Peter Garrett has been appointed to lead an external review.
The changes, announced on Monday, follow a fortnight of bad publicity for the orchestra after it cancelled the performance of an acclaimed pianist who had dedicated a piece to slain journalists in Gaza.
A week ago MSO musicians reportedly passed a vote of no confidence in Galaise and called for her to stand down.
A statement from the orchestra on Monday said 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 dedication to the organisation. We recognise the recent pressures on our people and management and are comforted that a person of Richard’s capability can step in immediately.”
The statement also announced the choice of Garrett to lead the independent external review.
“In the wake of decisions earlier this month surrounding the MSO’s concert with pianist Jayson Gillham, the MSO Board today appointed Mr Garrett to lead the review, supported by professional services firm KPMG Australia,” the statement said.
“The Garrett review will evaluate MSO’s policies, procedures and processes and cover protocols around freedom of speech and artistic expression on stage.”
The statement said it wanted those protocols to be “fit for purpose” for an organisation of the MSO’s profile and role in the community.
“Recognising the need to restore confidence in the MSO, we needed a respected musician to lead this review and were pleased Peter [Garrett] accepted our invitation,” it said.
“The board recognises the past few weeks has been a difficult experience for many of our people. 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.”
In a statement Garrett said: “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.”
The MSO board said it would provide more information on the review, including the terms of reference, as the details are finalised, and that it was “committed to sharing the high-level findings”.