The orchestra’s board, musicians and CEO have affirmed their support for the YES campaign following community backlash.

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra has come out in support of marriage equality, publically endorsing the YES campaign for the Australian Marriage Law Postal Survey. The orchestra’s board has changed its position from ‘neutral’ following considerable backlash and a scathing statement from former SSO board member and arts leader Leo Schofield.

“The Sydney Symphony Orchestra initially decided that it should remain neutral on this question, taking the view that as a matter of principle it would not take a position that might be seen to commit its wide range of stakeholders to one side or the other,” the Orchestra said in a statement today. “In doing so, the Board now acknowledges that it misjudged the need for such an organisation – with its long commitment to inclusiveness, equality and fairness – publicly to proclaim its support for the yes vote which plainly advances each of those ideals.”

“This decision has the overwhelming support of the SSO’s musicians and staff,” the statement said.

The statement was followed by another from the musicians of the SSO. “The musicians of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra wish...