Thursday 31 August, 2023
SIR JOHN ELIOT GARDINER STEPS DOWN FROM
FORTHCOMING PERFORMANCES
STATEMENT ISSUED BY INTERMUSICA ON BEHALF OF SIR JOHN ELIOT GARDINER
Sir John Eliot Gardiner has taken the decision to withdraw from all engagements until next year. He will be taking time out of his professional activities for a period of reflection and, in consultation with his medical advisors, will be focussing on his mental health while engaging in a course of counselling.
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.
Throughout his unique 60-year career, John 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 programme is ongoing.
John Eliot said: “I am taking a step back in order to get the specialist help I recognise that I have needed for some time. 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”.
I can’t imagine the ever-demanding – and famously flammable – Reiner, Szell or Toscanini applying for ‘specialist help’. Still, they were Reiner, Szell and Toscanini which I suppose called for some special pleading (and they were widely loved, in spite of negative rumours). Good on JEG for his admirably pragmatic thinking. Let’s hope he’s back in action soon.
It is fair to point out that orchestras have been known to behave badly to conductors. I have been present when an orchestra (I will not name it, as the personnel have certainly changed since then) behaved with atrocious manners to Vernon Handley, including some of them coming back 15 minutes late from tea-break. (To be fair, some of the orchestra also behaved very well and were extremely annoyed with the miscreants.) I also remember an occasion when an orchestra (not the Halle) behaved with insolence to James Loughran. Good manners and professionalism should exist on both sides.