Sir John Eliot Gardiner, a classical conductor, has stated he's "heartbroken to have caused so much distress" after allegedly punching a musician throughout a present in France.

The incident happened in La Cote-Saint-Andre in France, the place the Orchestre Revolutionnaire et Romantique and Monteverdi Choir had simply carried out Berlioz's Les Troyens.

Bass singer William Thomas had left the rostrum within the unsuitable path.

Sir John has already withdrawn from the BBC Proms, and has now stated he'll name off all his reveals till subsequent yr and search a course of counselling.

"I am taking a step back in order to get the specialist help I recognise that I have needed for some time," Sir John stated.

"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'm heartbroken to have triggered a lot misery and I'm decided to be taught from my errors."

His company Intermusica stated he "deeply regrets his behaviour" and can undertake "a period of reflection and, in consultation with his medical advisers, will be focusing on his mental health while engaging in a course of counselling".

This will embrace "an extensive, tailored course of treatment and he asks for space and privacy while the programme is ongoing," the company stated.

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

He has performed most 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.

A spokesperson for the Monteverdi Choir stated final week: "We continue to look into the events that occurred on Tuesday evening. Our values of respect and inclusivity are fundamental to us as a company and we take seriously the welfare of all our performers and employees."