Sir John Eliot Gardiner pulls out of remaining 2023 concerts after punching chorus singer
Conductor attacked a member of his choir after a concert earlier this month
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir John Eliot Gardiner has withdrawn from his remaining 2023 concerts following an alleged altercation with a chorus singer.
The world-renowned conductor, 80, is said to have physically attacked choir singer William Thomas, 29, after a performance in La Côte-Saint-André, France for leaving the podium in the wrong direction.
A source from the scene later claimed that no arrangements had been made as to how to enter or exit the stage.
During a celebration after the 22 August show, Gardiner slapped and punched Thomas before a “brief shouting battle”. A representative for the conductor noted that he had been suffering from extreme heat as a result of the 39-degree temperatures in the south-eastern French region at the time.
On Thursday (31 August), it was announced that Gardiner would take a break from scheduled concerts for the rest of the year in order to focus on getting “specialist help”.
Netflix director defends Adam Sandler casting daughters in new film: ‘He’s doing the same thing he’s always done’
Padam Padam: Kylie Minogue’s dance-pop anthem was the song of the summer that radio didn’t want to play
Hufflebuff: Daniel Radcliffe’s body transformation leads to unanimous prediction from film fans
“I am taking a step back in order to get the specialist help I recognise that I have needed for some time,” he said in a statement.
“I want to apologise to colleagues who have felt badly treated and anyone who may feel let down by my decision to take time out to address my issues. I am heartbroken to have caused so much distress and I am determined to learn from my mistakes.”
This announcement follows Gardiner pulling out of plans to lead a performance of Berlioz’s The Trojans at this year’s BBC Proms on 3 September as a result of the incident.
Dinis Sousa, Gardiner’s assistant, will take his place for the Royal Albert Hall concert and all remaining performances of The Trojans on the Monteverdi Choir’s European tour.
Gardiner had previously acknowledged “losing his temper” with the singer soon after it was reported.
He wrote: “I make no excuses for my behaviour and have apologised personally to Will Thomas, for whom I have the greatest respect. I do so again, and to the other artists, for the distress that this has caused.”
After the incident, a spokesperson for Thomas, a bass vocalist, confirmed details of the altercation, writing: “All musicians deserve the right to practise their art in an environment free from abuse or physical harm.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments