Following details announced yesterday that conductor Noel Edison had taken a personal leave of absence as conductor of The Toronto Mendelsohn Choir and the Elora Singers, we have learned there is much more to the story.
Documents obtained by Ludwig Van show that the Grammy Nominated choral conductor was placed on “personal leave” after the Board became aware of multiple accusations of sexual misconduct against him. Some of the allegations, which have not been proven, are alleged to have occurred at his home in Elora, Ontario.
The Elora Festival board, led by Chair John Spearn, will be hiring an independent investigator to look into the claims made by multiple male accusers.
Spearn declined to comment, other than to say, “We have put into place robust interim plans to ensure that The Elora Singers continue to contribute to the musical landscape of our communities.”
Sources suggest that this may not be the first time sexual misconduct allegations have been made against Edison.
In one previous instance, the board was made aware of sexual misconduct reports made against Edison, which happened years ago. It is not known if the allegations were investigated at that time, but Edison’s dual appointment with the TMC and the ES was not interrupted.
“The choir [TMC] is being kept totally in the dark, said Brian Chang, a member of the choir. He added that he “did not want the choir to be complicit in the silence if something is awry.” [Disclosure: Brian Chang is also an occasional contributor to Ludwig van Toronto]
In an email sent today to choir members of the TMC, it stated that well-known conductor and early music specialist David Fallis will step in to replace Edison for their upcoming concert on March 28 and 30.
Noel Edison is currently conductor of The Elora Singers, Artistic Director of the Elora Festival and the conductor of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. He was made a member of the Order of Ontario in 2009.
Michael Vincent can be reached at 289-242-4435 or michael@ludwig-van.com or follow @Michael_Vincent
Read more about: Noel Edison
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