Is there trouble looming for the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists this December? Their former founder and director, John Eliot Gardiner, is staging nearly identical concert programs with a new ensemble, right on the heels of the Monteverdis’ scheduled performances. By competing for the same audience, Gardiner (whose PR is now handled by Andy Coulson) may argue that he’s merely disrupting the live music industry, resisting what he might perceive as cancel culture trying to stifle his artistic expression. To the rest of us, however—those who view punching a singer as physical assault worthy of HR intervention—this looks more like sour grapes from a bruised ego.
One assumes that venues signed off on this arrangement, pulling gigs initially contracted to the Monteverdis in favor of the same repertoire offered by Gardiner, because they believed Gardiner’s name, not the musicians’, would sell tickets. It seems European audiences might not be overly concerned with Gardiner’s behavior. Reportedly, some musicians originally booked with the Monteverdis have been offered alternative work by Gardiner, though I know of a couple of key players who have declined his ‘invitation.’ Accepting it, after all, would seem to condone assault. How can that be acceptable?
Gardiner is a phenomenal musician with a remarkable back catalogue, much of which I still admire. There’s a chance his personal improvement efforts are sincere, and people do deserve second chances. Mistakes happen (I know I’ve made my share).
But this conflict presents an opportunity for both parties. By going their separate ways, each has the chance to carve new paths and innovate. A bitter rivalry in the classical music world is an unedifying spectacle—one I’m not particularly interested in buying tickets for.
For the Monteverdis, the challenge lies in moving forward. They have an opportunity to seize this moment for reinvention: resetting their vision, repositioning their brand, and leading boldly. For Gardiner, the challenge is even greater: looking at his choices through a growth mindset, drawing on his immense musical intellect, and creating something new.