English conductor Sir John Eliot Gardiner has launched two new ensembles this week, after stepping down from all engagements in September last year following an assault allegation.

The Constellation Choir and Orchestra are set for five performances across Germany, Austria, Luxembourg and France in December this year. Principal performers include oboist Michael Niesemann, violist Fanny Paccoud and violinist Kati Debretzeni.

Sir John Eliot Gardiner © Sim Canetty-Clarke

“It gives me great pleasure to announce the foundation of Springhead Constellation, a unique new project embodying a vibrant collective of musical ensembles, creative artists and makers. Our flagship groups, The Constellation Orchestra and The Constellation Choir will produce ambitious, multidisciplinary performance projects that tour around the world,” said Gardiner.

“More than anything else, I am so excited and grateful to be working with such exceptional musicians once again, not forgetting the important lessons I have learnt and needed to learn from the past year.” 

The Constellation Choir and Orchestra’s first performance will take place on 7 December at Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie. They are set to perform an identical program as Gardiner’s former ensembles, the...