John Eliot Gardiner starts new orchestra and choir after 2023 assault apology

Conductor who attacked singer at French performance last year says he has learned important lessons'

An internationally renowned conductor who pulled out of the BBC Proms last year after punching and slapping a soloist has started a new orchestra and choir.

Sir John Eliot Gardiner apologised last August after assaulting William Thomas, 29, for allegedly entering the stage incorrectly at the Berlioz festival in France.

On Monday, Gardiner, 81, announced the Constellation Choir and Constellation Orchestra, under the umbrella Springhead Constellation, which will be led by him.