Melbourne musicians turn against their management

Musicians of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra have just passed a vote of no confidence in their management. ‘We no longer have faith in the abilities of our senior management to make decisions that are in the best interests of the company at large,’ they said in a letter.

The motion was connected to the cancelling, and de-cancelling, this week of a pianist who used the stage for making an anti-Israel statement that was seen by some MSO supporters as antisemitic. The handling of the issue was, by any measure, inept.

But the discontent goes way back. ‘Whilst this motion has been directly related to the events surrounding the cancellation this week, we see it as the culmination of years of unresolved concerns, ongoing mismanagement, and a consistent decline in workplace culture that has undermined the well-being of employees and the long-term success of the company. We no longer have faith in the abilities of our senior management to make decisions that are in the best interests of the company at large,’ the players said.

The managing director is a Canadian ex-flautist, Sophie Galaise (pictured). Also cited for blame is COO Guy Ross.

In the job for the past eight years, Galaise is in a very hot seat right now. Today’s Australian Financial Review’s headline reads: ‘Everyone is angry at Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, even its musicians’

UPDATE: Here’s the complete text of the musicians’ letter:

Friday, 16th August 2024
TO: The Board of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
c/o Demetrio Zima, Company Secretary, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
FROM: The Musicians of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
________________________________________________________________________
On behalf of the musicians of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, we wish to formally
express a Vote of No Confidence in Managing Director Sophie Galaise and Chief
Operating Officer Guy Ross. We have come to this decision by way of overwhelming
majority vote, held on the evening of August 15th, 2024.

We believe it is the duty of senior management to lead and manage in accordance with the
MSO’s Values and Behaviours, however it has become apparent that these values no
longer appear to be aligned with those of the Orchestra and staff. Furthermore, despite
ongoing attempts to engage with senior leadership and provide feedback through formal
channels; including committee consultations, employee culture surveys and internal
grievance procedures, the response from management has been insufficient, and in many
cases dismissive. The result has been a work environment characterised by poor
communication, a lack of accountability, and continuingly declining morale. More seriously,
numerous decisions made without consultation with staff and musicians have resulted in
significant negative artistic and financial impacts on the MSO, as well as on our perception
as an arts leader in Victoria and Australia. The gravity of the current situation faced by the
organisation this week concerning the cancellation of Jayson Gillham as soloist has only
served to highlight these issues, and demonstrate this continued pattern of behaviour.

The members of the orchestra in no way take this decision lightly, but believe that this
decision is vital for the ongoing viability of the company given the degree to which the
MSO’s reputation has been called into disrepute. Whilst this motion has been directly
related to the events surrounding the cancellation this week, we see it as the culmination
of years of unresolved concerns, ongoing mismanagement, and a consistent decline in
workplace culture that has undermined the well-being of employees and the long-term
success of the company. We no longer have faith in the abilities of our senior management
to make decisions that are in the best interests of the company at large.

In writing to you, the musicians are calling for the immediate stand down of Managing
Director Sophie Galaise and Chief Operating Officer Guy Ross and calling for a full and
impartial investigation into both the events of the cancellation of Jayson Gillham this week,
and further into the general standards of leadership that have lead to the ongoing issues
with communication, morale, and psychosocial hazards affecting our workforce.

We would request that an independent investigator is appointed by the Board and
approved by musicians and staff, with the results of any investigation enabling the
company to move forward on a united front, with the ability to rebuild our reputation and
ensure the security of our future as an orchestra. In their place in the meantime, we seek
interim leaders who will engage genuinely with staff, foster a culture of mutual respect and
collaboration, and prioritise the long-term health and sustainability of our organisation.
We are committed to seeing the MSO return to its position as an artistic leader in its field,
guided by the principles and behaviours enshrined in our company values. This requires a
transformative shift in our organisational culture, driven by leadership that embodies
transparency, empathy, and accountability. Our goal is to create a workplace that not only
excels artistically but also prioritises the well-being and development of every member of
our organisation.
Sincerely,
The Musicians of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra