A British conductor has apologized after comparing the singers at one of Italy’s top opera houses to warring Mafia families. Edward Gardner, principal conductor of the London Philharmonic Orchestra, faced a defamation threat for his remarks about the chorus members at Teatro San Carlo in Naples.
In an interview last month, Gardner described the chorus as being made up of “two rival Mafia families,” adding that after one performance, they nearly ended up in the emergency room.
Following the backlash, the conductor issued a statement in which he offered a sincere apology to the members of the San Carlo Opera House’s chorus.
Edward Gardner clarified that he was informed about a public altercation between two members of the chorus shortly before his arrival in Naples, which led to one person being hospitalized. He expressed surprise at this incident.
However, Gardner emphasized that he never intended to imply the choir members were involved with the Mafia and was happy to retract that statement.
He expressed deep respect for the choir and its members, calling his experience in Naples last summer a meaningful one that showcased their talent, dedication, and hard work. Gardner regretted any misunderstanding caused by his comments, emphasizing that he personally witnessed the professionalism and excellence of the choir and wanted to convey his respect for everyone involved.
His original remarks had angered the mayor of Naples, who described them as “serious and entirely baseless allegations.”