Conductor John Eliot Gardiner pulls out of Proms ‘after punching singer’ at classical present in France

A world-renowned British conductor who featured within the King’s coronation has pulled out of the Proms after being accused of assaulting a singer.

Sir John Eliot Gardiner, 80, allegedly punched bass singer William Thomas following a efficiency on the Festival Berlioz in France, after the performer left the rostrum within the fallacious route.

The incident is alleged to have occurred backstage, out of sight of the viewers, however in entrance of a number of the forged.

Sir John reportedly withdrew from an additional present on the competition and can now not participate within the BBC Proms in September. His assistant Dinis Sousa will take his place.

A BBC spokesperson stated: “Sir John Eliot Gardiner has decided to withdraw from the performance of The Trojans at this year’s BBC Proms. We are grateful that Dinis Sousa will step in to conduct the performance on 3 September.”

The broadcaster is investigating the matter, saying it takes allegations of inappropriate behaviour severely and is “currently establishing the facts about the incident”.

Classical music news web site Slipped Disc first reported the alleged assault, saying it had acquired a number of studies.

Representatives for Mr Thomas confirmed an incident happened on Tuesday however stated he was trying ahead to future performances, based on the web site.

“All musicians deserve the right to practise their art in an environment free from abuse or physical harm,” the representatives are quoted as saying.

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Sir John, who’s founder and creative director of the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestra, has received two Grammy awards all through his profession and acquired extra Gramophone Awards than another residing artist, based on the choir’s web site.

He has performed lots of the world’s main orchestras, together with the Vienna Philharmonic and the London Symphony Orchestra, and operas on the Royal Opera House in London and at Teatro alla Scala, in Milan.

In May, throughout a pre-service programme, he led the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists at Westminster Abbey for the King’s coronation.

Sky News has contacted representatives for each Sir John and Mr Thomas, in addition to the competition, for remark.