Tonight, after months of ‘therapy and reflection,’ the English conductor Gardiner will appear at the Palau de la Música Catalana at the head of his new ensemble, the Constellation Choir & Orchestra. It includes several members of his former Monteverdi ensembles.
Gardiner has given an interview to Benjamin Rosado at el Pais. Here are two extracts:
JEG: I underwent cognitive therapy sessions with mental health experts. I followed a program of exercises and techniques that have helped me become much more self-aware, more conscious of my tolerance levels, and of the need to exercise greater self-control, even in the face of provocation. I’m a different person.
And what about your ensemble? Is Constellation a completely new group or just a change of name?
JEG: It’s partly the same community, with longtime musicians and new members. We have young singers fresh out of conservatory whom we invite to our base at Springhead, where I was born and raised, to take part in workshops on musical coaching, yoga, and improvisation. Our vision is broader, more humanistic….
Would you have liked to resume leadership of the ensembles you founded?
JEG: They are my family, and I did everything I could to make that happen. But the board wasn’t in favor. So I closed a very important chapter of my life. I hold no grudge and I wish them all the best. Springhead Constellation is allowing me to reconnect with my roots, to strengthen the bond between my two great passions: music and nature.
What do you think of the two albums the Monteverdi Choir released in your absence on your label, Soli Deo Gloria?
JEG: I haven’t listened to them, but I recently congratulated Johnny Sells after hearing him conduct the choir at Saint Martin-in-the-Fields. My recording future is uncertain, but I know many people are interested in working with us. Deutsche Grammophon, for instance, has just released my complete Brahms cycle with the Royal Concertgebouw.
You once fought hard for the venue and funding for the Monteverdi ensembles. Do you now have sufficient resources?
JEG: Constellation’s base is in Dorset, next to my childhood farm, and for now we have no plans to move to London. My priority is to establish ourselves as a charity so we can raise funds, since the costs — especially for tours — are very high. I trust that the new status will make donations easier.
Will you have the support of your friend, King Charles III, who chose you to conduct the music for his coronation?
JEG: I hope so. He hasn’t heard us yet, but I’m sure he will.
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