Sir John Eliot Gardiner: Famed conductor accused of assaulting singer

Sir John Eliot Gardiner, one of the world's most prominent conductors, has been accused of assaulting a singer at classical music festival in France.

He allegedly punched William Thomas, a bass, because he left the podium in the wrong direction during the show.

A spokesperson for Mr Thomas confirmed the incident to the BBC.

They added: "All musicians deserve the right to practise their art in an environment free from abuse or physical harm."

Mr Thomas did not appear to be seriously injured, and took to the stage on Wednesday evening, as part of the Festival Berlioz in La Côte-Saint-André, south eastern France.

Bruno Messina, the festival's artistic director of the Festival Berlioz, said in a statement that he was "devastated by the incident", but felt it was important that Wednesday's show took place.

Sir John's assistant, Dinis Sousa, took his place for that performance.

BBC News has contacted Sir John's manager and publicists for comment, but has yet to receive a response.

A source with knowledge of the matter said the conductor is likely to pull out of upcoming concert dates, including an appearance at the BBC Proms.

In a statement, Proms organisers said they were looking into the allegations against the conductor.

"We take allegations about inappropriate behaviour seriously and are currently establishing the facts about the incident."

News of the alleged altercation first emerged on Slipped Disc, which said it had received multiple reports from France on Tuesday night.

A representative for Sir John told the website that the conductor had been suffering from extreme heat in France.

Sir John is a leading figure in the period-instrument movement, who is famous for his interpretations of Baroque music, specialising in composers such as Monteverdi, Bach, Mozart and Beethoven.

He established prestigious ensembles including the Monteverdi Choir, the English Baroque Soloists and the Orchestre Révolutionnaire et Romantique, and has conducted many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra and Boston Symphony Orchestra.

Many of his recordings are considered classics - including his complete Beethoven Symphonies, and a live recording of Bach's St John's Passion - and his 2013 book Bach: Music in the Castle of Heaven, was well received by critics.

Earlier this year, Sir John featured at King Charles's Coronation, where he led the Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists in a pre-service concert at Westminster Abbey.