The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s latest Annual Report shows the MSO recorded an underlying operating deficit of $1.94 million for the year, a result attributed to rising inflation, continuing structural revenue pressures across the arts sector, and an 11 percent plunge in ticket sales.

According to MSO Chair Edgar Myer, writing in his first annual report since taking over from Dr David Li, governance challenges resulting from “media concerning the dispute with a performer” were also a drag on MSO finances.

Jaime Martín conducts the MSO Winter Gala 2024. Photo © Laura Manariti

The unnamed “performer” is, of course, pianist Jayson Gillham, with whom the MSO has been in a protracted and expensive legal battle that erupted when the MSO abruptly cancelled a scheduled performance over comments Gillham made from the stage regarding the plight of journalists and news gatherers in the Gaza conflict.

The fallout from that contributed to a $3.3 million deficit stoked by “case management and response costs” ($689,000) and “staff costs associated with restructure and separation” ($954,000) in the wake of the sacking of MSO Managing Director Sophie Galaise.

The dispute also led to the cancellation of high-profile...