Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Sammy Gecsoyler

Conductor who allegedly slapped singer pulls out of all 2023 performances

Sir John Eliot Gardiner
John Eliot Gardiner: ‘I am taking a step back in order to get the specialist help I recognise that I have needed for some time.’ Photograph: Roberto Serra/Iguana Press/Getty Images

An internationally renowned conductor has pulled out of all performances until next year after allegedly punching and slapping a soloist for entering the stage incorrectly at the Berlioz festival in France.

Sir John Eliot Gardiner, 80, reportedly assaulted William Thomas, 29, an English bass singer who represented England in the Cardiff Singer of the World competition, after an opera performance last week.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.