After five years at the helm of Orchestra Toronto, Belfast-born conductor Kevin Mallon will be stepping down following the close of the 2017-18 season on June 10.
Toronto Orchestra did not mention the reason behind the departure, other than to say they express their “deep gratitude and respect” for Mallon, and wished him “well in future pursuits.”
Mallon was first appointed during the Orchestra Toronto’s 60th-anniversary season in December 2013. Highlights include the premieres of Recall the Eden by ICOT, Iranian Composers of Toronto with soprano Miriam Khalil and The Newfie Bullet by Richard Herriott; a focus on French music programming including Debussy’s La Mer, and an in-concert performance of Gianni Schicchi.
The Orchestra Toronto Board of Directors has confirmed they have hired conductor Michael Newnham as Acting Music Director for the upcoming 2018-19 season.
‘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,” said Newnham in a press release statement.
Newnham has introduced to the orchestra this past March, to lead the orchestra in a program of American music by Copland, Gershwin, and Danny Elfman, from which the orchestra described him as “a born communicator.”
Mallon will remain on as Artistic Director of two other arts groups: Thirteen Strings Chamber Orchestra and Aradia.