Jayson Gillham has taken up a teaching position in Glasgow, Scotland, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have unfinished business here.

The Australian-British pianist has today filed legal proceedings against the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) in the Federal Court of Australia, following the controversial cancellation of his performance in August.

Jayson Gillham. Photo supplied

“I was silenced for speaking the truth – that Israel targets journalists,” Gillham stated. “This situation goes beyond just artistic freedom; it strikes at the heart of our right to free speech and the role of art in addressing important social issues. The MSO’s extreme reaction to factual statements highlights a disturbing trend of silencing voices that speak to uncomfortable truths.”

Gillham will contend that the MSO’s actions constitute direct discrimination based on political belief or activity, violating his human and workplace rights protected by the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Victoria) and Fair Work Act 2009 (Commonwealth).

After the MSO rejected reasonable requests to remedy the situation in a belligerent letter from its lawyers Arnold Bloch Leibler, Gillham was compelled to pursue legal action. He is represented by Michael Bradley of Marque Lawyers and Sheryn Omeri KC.

“This battle...