Conductor Edward Gardner Apologizes for "Mafia" Comments About Naples' Teatro San Carlo Chorus

The apology came after the Teatro San Carlo threatened Gardner with legal action, describing his comments as "defamatory"

The British conductor Edward Gardner has issued a statement apologizing for comments he made about members of the chorus at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples.

In January 2025, Gardner told The Times that "the chorus is made up of two rival mafia families — who after one performance put each other in A&E."

Gaetano Manfredi, who is both the Mayor of Naples and the Chairman of the San Carlo Foundation board, subsequently described the comments as defamatory and threatened Gardner with legal action.

"These are very serious allegations that are completely unfounded," Manfredi said. "We will act to protect the  reputation of the San Carlo Theatre and its employees."

The theater has already engaged two lawyers, Angelo and Sergio Pisani. The pair said that "the defamatory statements attributed to Gardner undermine the prestige of a cultural institution of worldwide importance."

"Unfounded attacks such as these risk undermining the credibility of an institution that has made an important contribution to the dissemination of art and music for centuries."

Gardner then issued the following statement, retracting his comments.

"I would like to sincerely apologise to the members of the chorus of the San Carlo Opera House, Naples for my recent comments in an interview with The Times. I have deep respect and appreciation for the choir and its members. Shortly before my arrival in Naples I was informed that two members of the chorus had a public fight just outside the theatre resulting in one person being hospitalised. I was very surprised by this. However I did not intend to suggest that the choir were members of the mafia, and I am more than happy to retract that allegation."

"Performing Beethoven’s 9th together in Ravello last summer was a meaningful experience that highlighted the talent, dedication, and hard work of this group. I regret that anything I said may have suggested otherwise because I have experienced firsthand the professionalism and excellence of this choir and I want to make it clear how much I value and respect everyone involved."