- Renowned Conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner Accused of Assault
- Sir John Eliot Gardiner Issues Apology for Alleged Assault on Bassist
- Conductor Withdraws from Proms and Festival Berlioz Amidst Investigation
Sir John Eliot Gardiner, a world-renowned conductor, has left Proms after being accused of abusing a singer.
In France, he allegedly punched bassist William Thomas for leaving the podium in the incorrect direction.
Sir John said he “deeply regretted” losing his “temper” in a statement.
He added that he understood “how deeply this has affected all the participants in this monumental project, which has been so dear to my heart.
“I make no excuses for my conduct and have personally apologized to Will Thomas, for whom I have the highest regard. I apologize once more, as well as to the other artists, for the distress this has caused.”
Mr. Thomas’s spokesperson had earlier verified the incident, stating, “All musicians deserve the right to practice their craft in an environment free of abuse and physical harm.”
Wednesday evening, Sir John, 80, canceled his performance at the Festival Berlioz in La Côte-Saint-André, southeastern France.
The BBC announced in a statement that Sir John had “decided to withdraw from the performance of [Berlioz’s] The Trojans at this year’s BBC Proms.”
This concert and the Monteverdi Choir’s remaining Trojans performances in Europe will feature Sir John’s assistant, Dinis Sousa.
Excessive temperatures
A spokesperson for the Monteverdi Orchestra stated, “We are still investigating the events of Tuesday evening.”
Our organisation values respect and inclusivity, and we care about our performers and employees.
The music website Slipped Disc reported that it had received multiple reports of an incident that occurred backstage in France on Tuesday night, which is when news of the alleged altercation first surfaced.
A representative for Sir John stated on the website that the conductor was experiencing extreme heat.
Mr. Thomas appeared to be uninjured and returned to the stage in France on Wednesday evening.
Bruno Messina, artistic director of the Festival Berlioz, said in a statement that he was “devastated by the incident.” But that Wednesday’s performance was essential.
“Consider my actions”
Proms organizers said in a statement, “We take allegations of inappropriate behavior seriously and are currently establishing the facts surrounding the incident.”
Sir John, from Fontmell Magna, Dorset, is known for his interpretations of Monteverdi, Bach, Mozart, and Beethoven. He is a leader in the period-instrument movement.
He founded prestigious ensembles such as the Monteverdi Choir, the English Baroque Soloists, and the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique. And has conducted many of the world’s foremost orchestras. Including the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony Orchestra, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.
His complete Beethoven Symphonies and a live recording of Bach’s St. John’s Passion are also considered masterpieces, and Bach. Music in the Castle of Heaven (2013) was well received by critics.
Sir John performed at the Coronation of King Charles earlier this year, leading the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists in a pre-service concert at Westminster Abbey.
Sir John concluded his Thursday statement by stating, I am aware that physical violence is never acceptable and that musicians should always feel secure.
“I ask for your patience and understanding while I take some time to reflect on my actions.”
