The Bishop of Fulham, Jonathan Baker, has apologised for causing 'distress and offence' after he shut down a choir concert at St Andrew's Church in Holborn, London, while wearing a blue dressing gown and bare feet. The incident occurred on Friday evening as the City Academy Voices choir neared the end of their summer concert.
Baker took the stage shortly after 10pm, described the singing as a 'terrible racket', and demanded the choir leave, despite having a booking until 11pm. He told the audience, 'You are in my house, can you leave it now please.' The choir had just finished performing The Supremes' hit 'I'm Gonna Make You Love Me'.
In a written apology seen by the Guardian, Baker said he 'takes full responsibility and apologises unreservedly' for ending the concert prematurely. He acknowledged that the choir had a valid booking until 11pm and admitted his understanding that the performance would end at 10pm was mistaken. He also expressed hope that the relationship with City Academy would continue.
Among those affected was soloist Raj Swamy, who was preparing to sing when Baker turned off the lights. The final song, Abba's 'Dancing Queen', was never performed on stage. After Baker's intervention, the choir started an a cappella rendition before leaving to a rapturous reception.
Choir director Leigh Stanford Thompson described the event as 'bizarre' and noted it was his last concert in the role, adding, 'what a way to go out.' The bishop has assured that such an incident will not recur.
