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 to unequivocally declare that we strongly support Marriage Equality. We are proud of our history as a rich and diverse arts organisation performing every week to thousands of people who share our passion for the arts. We believe in an inclusive and fair society for all.”

The Orchestra’s incoming CEO Emma Dunch also released a statement in support of marriage equality, alongside a photograph of her with her partner Elizabeth Scott. “Artists and their art have long played an important role in challenging accepted norms,” she wrote. “I am committed to leading a Sydney Symphony Orchestra that champions its exceptional musicians, serves Sydneysiders in new ways, and provides value to our city beyond traditional concert-giving. I hope that you will join me and my colleagues on that journey, confident that the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will continue to welcome and support our LGBTQIA community and be an organization that strives to foster respectful, meaningful dialogue around complex issues.”

The change of policy has been met with largely positive responses on social media, with many in the artistic community expressing relief. “Phew. I was busy drafting a letter withdrawing my (modest) monthly donation to @sydsymph when this came through,” wrote newsreader Anton Enus in response to the Orchestra’s statement on Twitter. “Mature response from Board.”

“Bravo to the musicians of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra,” wrote composer Sally Whitwell on Facebook. “It actually takes a lot of guts for an organisation to ‘backflip’ like this, and I’m sure there will be some fallout. I am so proud to play with such a fine orchestra when I am given the opportunity to do so, and I thank my colleagues for their support of my right to love.”


Sydney Symphony Orchestra CEO Emma Dunch’s statement in full:

As the incoming Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra next January and an out, gay leader, I am proud to express my personal and professional commitment to advancing equality and inclusion for the LGBTQIA community, and to affirm my unflinching support for marriage equality. I believe that same-sex marriage is inevitable in Australia, and that this outcome is right and just.

Over the weekend, I have joined the SSO’s musicians, staff, and Board members in discussions that have helped clarify the organization’s position in support of marriage equality in Australia. I deeply appreciate the thoughtfulness that has been brought to bear throughout a respectful and nuanced dialogue. I know that there are very diverse views across Australia on this issue, and I respect the Board’s commitment to encouraging every Australian to develop his or her own opinion, and to vote.

For me, this is about more than my own identity. Personally, I believe that our society and its institutions are made stronger and more vibrant by the diversity of the individuals who people them. And I believe that denying those of us in same-sex relationships the civil rights accorded the married is the antithesis of the Aussie “fair go” and perpetuates profound inequality. I hope that my home country will soon be one that validates my committed relationship of 17 years.

Artists and their art have long played an important role in challenging accepted norms. I am committed to leading a Sydney Symphony Orchestra that champions its exceptional musicians, serves Sydneysiders in new ways, and provides value to our city beyond traditional concert-giving. I hope that you will join me and my colleagues on that journey, confident that the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will continue to welcome and support our LGBTQIA community and be an organization that strives to foster respectful, meaningful dialogue around complex issues.

After nearly two decades in New York City, I will be returning home to Sydney with my life partner, Elizabeth Scott (pictured left). We have been gratified by the terrifically warm welcome we have received from the SSO’s Board, staff and musicians. We look forward to making new friends when we arrive next year and to proudly counting ourselves among the many Australians who support a fair and inclusive society for all.


 

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