Conductor John Eliot Gardiner Exits Monteverdi Choir Following Assault Allegation

John Eliot Gardiner conducts the orchestra during a rehearsal session in London on April 5, 2017. Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images

The Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras (MCO) has announced that Sir John Eliot Gardiner, the renowned British conductor known for his pioneering work in baroque music, has stepped down from his role as leader and artistic director.

“Following a reported assault in August 2023, John Eliot Gardiner stepped back from public music-making. He accepted full responsibility for the incident, and he has not worked with the organisation for nearly a year,” the MCO said in a statement issued on July 24.

Mr. Gardiner’s departure follows an incident in August 2023 in which he allegedly hit bass singer William Thomas after a performance of Berlioz’s opera “Les Troyens” at the Festival Berlioz in La Côte-Saint-André, southeastern France.

The organization expressed gratitude for Mr. Gardiner’s contributions over the past six decades and is determined to preserve his legacy. The conductor’s exit marks the end of an era for the MCO, an organization he has led since its founding in 1964.

The 81-year-old’s illustrious career includes more than 60 performances at the prestigious BBC Proms and a notable appearance at King Charles III’s coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey in May 2023. Mr. Gardiner’s contributions to music earned him a knighthood in 1998.

Moving Forward

In a statement posted on Slippedisc on July 24, Mr. Gardiner said: “After a long period of deep consideration and reflection, I have decided to step down as leader and artistic director of the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras (MCO) with immediate effect.

“I have undergone extensive therapy and other counselling over the past 11 months and have learned a great deal about myself and my past behaviour, but I have reached the conclusion that the best way forward for both myself and for the MCO is to accept that a clear change in our relationship is necessary now for the good of both parties.”

However, Mr. Gardiner’s departure from the MCO does not mark his retirement from music. He said in the statement that he plans to pursue various activities, including guest conducting, recording, writing, and engaging in creative and educational projects.

At the end of the summer, the MCO plans to announce new conductors who will lead a new season of projects. The choir and orchestras are poised to achieve new creative milestones and firsts as they embark on this new chapter.

The MCO’s board has expressed appreciation for Mr. Gardiner’s contributions and the lasting impact of his musical influence.

“The MCO acknowledges with gratitude his monumental contribution, and holds a deep-seated commitment to honour and preserve these phenomenal accomplishments,” the board said in a statement.

“The organisation is proud to have enabled and promoted his long and illustrious career, alongside that of many other musicians. They will work passionately to build upon the remarkable foundations laid by the three ensembles he founded, taking forward their trailblazing work with new talent and new benchmark performances for years to come.”