Toronto Mendelssohn Choir (TMC) has appointed conductor David Fallis as Interim Conductor and Artistic Advisor for the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons.
“David brings to the TMC a life-long passion for choral music, incredible conducting experience, and a wide-ranging knowledge of choral repertoire and creative programming,” said TMC Executive Director Cynthia Hawkins. “We are thrilled to work under the leadership of such an accomplished musician over the next two seasons while the TMC carries out an international search for our new artistic director.”
The appointment follows the results of an internal investigation by the TMC into allegations including unwanted groping, kissing, and sexually explicit discussions allegedly perpetrated by former TMC Artistic Director Noel Edison during his tenure as conductor.
On April 24, Edison resigned from his role as Artistic Director, leaving the choir in search of a new Artistic Director.
Besides Fallis’s new role, he also acts as Music Director of Toronto’s Opera Atelier, Artistic Director of the Toronto Consort, and directs Soundstreams Choir 21, a vocal ensemble specializing in contemporary choral music. He is married to Alison Mackay, double bassist with Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra.
Fallis offered the following statement via the TMC press release:
“What a thrill and honour it is for me to lead the fabled Toronto Mendelssohn Choir in its 2018/19 season. The season has been designed to offer selections of the greatest choral music from across the ages to the 21st-century. I look forward to sharing it with TMC patrons.”
Michael Vincent can be reached at 289-242-4435 or michael@ludwig-van.com or follow @Michael_Vincent
Read more about: Noel Edison