Classical music - Gardiner relinquishes conduct of choirs and orchestras
British conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner is stepping down as director of the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras (MOC) that he founded. This was announced through his agency Intermusica.
Gardiner had taken a one-year sabbatical after an incident at a concert in France last summer, during which he reportedly lost control and slapped a singer who had exited from the wrong side of the stage.
"In the past 11 months, I have undergone extensive therapy and consultations, and I have learned a great deal about myself and my past behavior," the statement from Gardiner read.
Retirement is not imminent
He added: "I have come to the conclusion that it is best for me and for the MCO that we acknowledge that a clear change in our relationship is now necessary, for the benefit of both parties."
However, Gardiner assured that he had no plans to retire. "I will be focusing on a multitude of other activities, including guest conducting, recordings, and writing," so the Maestro.
Gardiner's decision to step down as director of the MOC has sparked interest among classical music enthusiasts in the United Kingdom and beyond. The news has been widely discussed among people in the classical music community, with many expressing their support for Gardiner's personal growth.
During his tenure with MOC, Gardiner has been instrumental in preserving and promoting classic music from the Baroque period. His influential work has earned him a reputation as one of the leading conductors of classical music in London and beyond, attracting a dedicated following in the United Kingdom and France.
Gardiner's next venture is set to be a personal project focused on the music of his favorite composers. He has announced plans to conduct concerts and record new albums featuring classic masterpieces, including works by Handel and Bach.
Despite his departure from MOC, Gardiner's influence on the classical music scene is expected to continue. The London-based orchestra has announced that it will continue its mission of preserving and promoting classic music under new leadership, while Gardiner will remain an active presence in the world of classical music in the United Kingdom and beyond.
