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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Entertainment
Emine Sinmaz

John Eliot Gardiner starts new orchestra and choir after 2023 assault apology

Man with index fingers raised in air in front of yellow/blue background
John Eliot Gardiner leads musicians as they perform in Westminster Abbey before the coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla in May 2023. Photograph: Richard Pohle/AP

An internationally renowned conductor who pulled out of the BBC Proms last year after punching and slapping a soloist has started a new orchestra and choir.

Sir John Eliot Gardiner apologised last August after assaulting William Thomas, 29, for allegedly entering the stage incorrectly at the Berlioz festival in France.

On Monday, Gardiner, 81, announced the Constellation Choir and Constellation Orchestra, under the umbrella Springhead Constellation, which will be led by him.

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