"Why Go Out There?" Conductor Gardiner Slaps Opera Singer During Performance Sparks 'Controversy'

World-Renowned Conductor and Vocalist Assaulted
"No Excuse"... Withdraws from Remaining Performances After Apology

A famous conductor sparked controversy after assaulting a vocalist during a performance. The reason was that the vocalist did not follow the designated route while exiting the stage. As criticism grew louder, the conductor apologized and announced that he would not appear in the remaining performances.

On the 24th (local time), The New York Times (NYT) reported that renowned conductor John Eliot Gardiner (80) apologized for hitting vocalist William Thomas (28) during a performance on the 22nd.

According to an anonymous source, the incident occurred during the Berlioz Festival held in La C?te-Saint-Andr?, Is?re, France, during a performance of Berlioz's opera "Les Troyens."

Gardiner reportedly assaulted Thomas backstage after the first and second acts ended, slapping him and throwing punches because Thomas had exited the stage in the wrong direction. Although the situation was settled when Thomas left, many people witnessed the incident, and once Gardiner's assault became known, fierce criticism ensued.

Eventually, Gardiner issued a statement saying, "I deeply regret the incident that occurred at the Berlioz Festival," and "I fully apologize for losing my composure momentarily after the performance."

He added, "There is no excuse for my behavior, and I have personally apologized to Thomas, whom I respect," and "I also apologize to other artists who may have been upset by this incident."

The Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra stated, "We are continuing to investigate the incident," and "We prioritize the welfare of our performers and staff and consider respect and inclusion fundamental values."

John Eliot Gardiner
Photo by EPA Yonhap News

Thomas did not participate in the performance the day after the assault and suddenly traveled to London to see his primary doctor. He was not seriously injured and subsequently appeared in scheduled performances as planned. Thomas's agency stated, "Every musician has the right to perform in an environment free from abuse or physical harm."

They added, "Thomas will fulfill his upcoming schedule as planned and will not comment on this incident."

Gardiner is expected to withdraw from the remaining performances of the European tour with the Monteverdi Choir and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, which he founded. The remaining tour dates will be conducted by Denis Suissa, the deputy conductor of the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra.

Gardiner said, "Physical violence is absolutely unacceptable, and musicians must always feel safe," and "I ask for your patience and understanding while I reflect on my actions."

Gardiner is a world-renowned British conductor. He is a versatile conductor capable of handling a wide range of repertoires and is especially acclaimed as a master of historically informed performances, playing Renaissance and Baroque music using original scores and period instruments.

He founded the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra in 1964 while still a university student and later established the Lyon Opera Orchestra, English Baroque Soloists, and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment. He has conducted most of the world's major orchestras and has been invited multiple times to leading opera houses. In May, he conducted at the coronation of Charles III.

Gardiner was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1998 and is known as "Sir John." He is also the only musician to have won the Gramophone Award?often called the "Academy of Classical Music"?three times in one year.

However, Gardiner is also known for his perfectionism and demanding personality. In a 2010 interview, when asked about his character, he admitted, "I am impatient and easily irritated, and I do not always have compassion," but he also defended himself by saying, "However, I do not behave as cruelly as you might have heard."

He added, "The structure of an orchestra is inherently undemocratic," and "Someone has to take responsibility, and since the conductor takes responsibility, it seems to imply they can do as they please, which makes me uncomfortable."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.