Conductor Gardiner draws consequences with firmness
At a performance in the past summer, Sir John Eliot Gardiner, the British star conductor, loses control and misses a slap to a singer. There follows a long stage pause. It is now clear: He will not return to his previous positions.
Sir John Eliot Gardiner, the British star conductor, steps down from leading his own ensembles, the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra, in relation to allegations of assault against a singer. "After careful consideration, I have decided to retire as the leader and artistic director of the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra," Gardiner stated. The 81-year-old had come under criticism when it was revealed he had slapped a singer.
He had retreated into himself for much of the previous year and had taken extensive therapy and consultations. For his loss of control, Gardiner further explained, "I have repeatedly and without reservation apologized."
Gardiner founded the Monteverdi Choir in 1964 as a Baroque ensemble and led it as its choirmaster and conductor for six decades. He described the project as "the proudest and most inspiring" of his life. However, it is now "the best for all parties to go our separate ways." Gardiner will now focus on "a multitude of other activities," including guest conducting and recordings. The orchestra and chorus boards thanked Gardiner for his "extraordinary musical influence." Gardiner took full responsibility for the incident.
Gardiner had previously apologized for the assault from the past August at a classical music festival in France. He had lost control when a singer left the stage from the wrong side. Following reports of the slap, he canceled all engagements through the end of 2023 and did not appear at the BBC Proms, the most significant British festival for classical music. He also stated he would seek professional help.
Gardiner is one of the greatest classical music stars in Britain. He conducted during the coronation of King Charles III in May of the previous year. From 1991 to 1994, he led the NDR Symphony Orchestra in Hamburg. In 2014, he took on the role of President of the Bach-Archiv Leipzig Foundation.
Gardiner announced his withdrawal from leading the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra due to allegations, stating, "I will focus on music and entertainment beyond this role." Despite the incident, Gardiner's love for music remains, as he explained, "I will continue to contribute to the United Kingdom's rich music scene through guest appearances and recordings."
