By Departure of Music Director Kevin Mallon; Appointment of Acting Music Director Michael Newnham
North York, May 10, 2018 – After five years, Orchestra Toronto is announcing the departure of Music Director Kevin Mallon.
Mr. Mallon has given Orchestra Toronto his talent, his passion, and his expertise, expanding the Orchestra’s repertoire, attracting skilled and avid musicians, and growing the Orchestra’s programming and audiences. Under his leadership, the Orchestra has not only presented five successful five-concert seasons, but has also developed student fellowships for emerging musicians and apprenticeships for talented conductors in the early stages of their careers. Artistic highlights of Mr. Mallon’s tenure include Orchestra Toronto’s Concert for Peace, in June 2017, at which the orchestra presented the premiere of Recall the Eden by ICOT, Iranian Composers of Toronto with soprano Miriam Khalil; a programme of French music including Debussy’s La Mer, the world premiere of The Newfie Bullet by Richard Herriott; and, most recently, a concert performance of Gianni Schicchi with Essential Opera. It is with deep gratitude and respect that we wish Mr. Mallon well in future pursuits.
Mr. Mallon will conduct Orchestra Toronto’s final concert of the 2017-18 season, on June 10, Skøl Scandinavia.
Orchestra Toronto remains fully committed to our upcoming season. The Board of Directors is pleased to announce that the Orchestra has engaged Michael Newnham as Acting Music Director for the 2018-19 season. Familiar to Orchestra Toronto audiences from his conducting of our March 2018 concert of American light music, Mr. Newnham is best known for his intense and inspiring conducting style, based on a deep knowledge of the score and informed by a strong interest in languages, cultures and history. A born communicator, his open and direct contact with musicians and audiences creates performances full of expression and energy.
Music Director of Symphony New Brunswick, Camerata NB, and the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra, Mr. Newnham has been instrumental in bringing these ensembles to new artistic heights and raising their profile on the provincial and national level.
Says Mr. Newnham, “I am very honoured to be able to make music with Orchestra Toronto in my new role as Interim Music Director. This is one of the largest and most visible of Canada’s high-level community orchestras whose home is in one of Toronto’s finest concert halls. The orchestra’s commitment to excellence, willingness to try different ideas and their sense of fun won me over completely and make me look forward to a very exciting season with them next year.”
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For more information please contact:
Jennie Worden, Executive Director, 416-467-7142
