Breaking: King Charles backs Monteverdi orchestras – without Gardiner
NewsThe King has sent a message of support to the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras, signifying that he remains Patron after the dismissal of Sir John Eliot Gardiner.
The King’s message was read out tonight before the MCO concert in London. It reads:
As Patron of the Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras, it gives me great
pleasure to wish all its musicians, Board and team, and its loyal audience and
supporters a very special evening of music-making at St Martin-in-the-Fields.
I have long admired the world-class performances ofthis wonderfully
talented organisation, and tonight’s programme of Christmas music by Bach and
Charpeñtier is typically imaginative. With such a master of French baroque
music at the helm, it will no doubt be a highlight of everyone’s festive season.
While I am very sorry that I cannot be with you in person this evening, I
will be following closely your plans for 2025, and wish you all a particularly
happy Christmas and New Year.
BUCKINGHAM PALACE
CHARLES R.
Gardiner had been chosen to conduct the opening music of the King’s coronation in May 2023. He will be disappointed by the King’s adherence to an organisation and a board that dismissed him.
The New York Times reported yesterday: “Gardiner has returned — but not with his old organization, Monteverdi Choir & Orchestras, which didn’t want him back. Instead, Gardiner has just completed a tour with a new ensemble he founded, the Constellation Choir & Orchestra.
The two groups almost collided recently, playing nearly identical concerts at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg, Germany, on Dec. 7 and 14. “