John Eliot Gardiner Withdraws from All Remaining 2023 Appearances

The renowned British conductor, who recently slapped a singer backstage after a performance, will take a step back to "focus on his mental health while engaging in a course of counseling"

The celebrated British conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner, who recently drew widespread criticism after he assaulted a fellow musician backstage following a concert, has opted to withdraw from all of his remaining concert appearances in 2023 in the wake of the incident.

Gardiner, who is best known for his interpretations of the cantatas of J. S. Bach, said that he would stand down from his remaining engagements for the year in order to focus on his mental health, as well as to attend counseling.

Gardiner had at least 10 engagements remaining this year, including a six-stop tour of the United States and Canada.

The original incident took place after a performance of Berlioz’s opera Les Troyens at the Festival Berlioz in La Côte-Saint-André, France — after which Gardiner struck the young English bass William Thomas, allegedly because he was dissatisfied that Thomas had exited the stage in the wrong direction.

The founder of the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra, John Eliot Gardiner is a key figure in the United Kingdom's early music scene, and was closely involved with the music at the recent coronation of King Charles III. He celebrated his 80th birthday in April of 2023.

"He deeply regrets his behaviour and recognises that it has had a significant impact on colleagues for whom he has the most profound admiration and respect," said Intermusica representative Nicholas Boyd-Vaughan in a statement. "Eliot has striven to encourage and support generations of talented artists, and he passionately believes that all performers should feel comfortable and secure in their working environment."

"Over the next few months he will be undergoing an extensive, tailored course of treatment and he asks for space and privacy while the program is ongoing."

"I am taking a step back in order to get the specialist help I recognise that I have needed for some time," Gardiner said. "I want to apologise to colleagues who have felt badly treated and anyone who may feel let down by my decision to take time out to address my issues."

"I am heartbroken to have caused so much distress and I am determined to learn from my mistakes."