The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir has revealed the programming for its 2024/2025 season, one that will mark the organization’s 130th season. TMChoir is Canada’s longest running amateur choir for mixed voices, a remarkable feat of longevity in an uncertain environment.
TMChoir also announced the appointment of Aaron Manswell as the organization’s all-new composer-in-residence. Toronto-based composer-in-residence Aaron Manswell is a composer whose songs have premiered and recorded across North America. His work was featured on the 2024 Billboard chart-topping album “Tapestry of Becoming” by Choral Arts Initiative. Works commissioned from Aaron will be performed throughout the upcoming season.
Artistic director Jean-Sébastien Vallée will continue to lead TMChoir.
“It’s a great pleasure to join this legendary choir just in time to celebrate this milestone anniversary and the appointment of composer-in-residence, the extraordinarily talented Aaron Manswell. I’ve been inspired and energized by the passion and talent of this choir, as well as the breadth of programming we’ll be presenting next season,” said Daniela Nardi, Executive Director in a statement. “I am looking forward to sharing with our audiences and all Torontonians, the experience of this landmark season.”
TMChoir 2024/25 Season At A Glance
The Love Affair: Waltz & Tango | November 3
Conductor Jean-Sébastien Vallée the TMChoir and Toronto Mendelssohn Singers are joined by soprano Charlotte Siegel and bandoneonist Jonathan Goldman (the bandoneon is a type of concertina used in tangos), and instrumental ensemble, for a program of Brahms’ Liebeslieder Walzer and Palmeri’s Misatango. A new commission by composer-in-residence Aaron Manswell rounds out the program.
Festival of Carols | December 3, 2024
The TMChoir’s holiday staple and a Toronto tradition will celebrate its 25th edition at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church. Maestro Jean-Sébastien Vallée conducts a program of sing-along favourites as well as a special commissioned work by composer-in-residence Aaron Manswell.
Visionaries: Vivaldi and DaVinci | February 8, 2025
State-of-the-art video tech add to the beauty of the music in a multimedia experience that delves into The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci, a work by American composer Jocelyn Hagen, along with Antonio Vivaldi’s Gloria. DaVinci’s words and drawings come to vivid life, using technology that syncs with the live voices of the Toronto Mendelssohn Singers.
Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis | April 4, 2025
The finale of the season returns to the organization’s roots; remarkably, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir gave the Canadian premiere of this work in 1927. Conductor Jean-Sébastien Vallée, TMChoir, and an instrumental ensemble will be joined by soloists Tracy Cantin, soprano, Simona Genga, mezzo-soprano, Matt Cairns, tenor, and Brett Polegato, baritone, for the work Beethoven himself described as his greatest piece.
Other Season Highlights
A New Recording
The anniversary season will also include a new commercial recording, Remember: 130 Years of Canadian Choral Music, which will be released on October 4, 2024, by ATMA Classique. The landmark release will include pieces from the organization’s history, including some of its very first commissions.
In The Community
- Singsation, the free choral workshop series, will continue, with dates TBC;
- Take the Podium, TMChoir’s annual Choral Conducting Symposium for emerging conductors and those looking to hone their skills, will be held May 6-10, 2025;
- Exchange: A Day Of Community Choral Workshops will continue in partnership with Orpheus Choir and Pax Christi Chorale.
TSO Collaborations
TMChoir will continue its tradition of collaborating with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra for two concerts in the 2024/25 season.
- Mozart’s Requiem October 9-12, 2024 with conductor Jukka-Pekka Saraste;
- The annual Messiah performances Dec 17-22, 2024, conducted by TMChoir’s Artistic Director Jean-Sébastien Vallée for this special anniversary year.
“I’m overflowing with excitement to unveil our upcoming milestone: the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir’s 130th Anniversary Season! For over a century, we’ve connected with the hearts of Canadians and become an integral part of our nation’s musical history. As we celebrate this significant milestone, I invite you to join us in honouring our rich heritage while daring to discover the boundless possibilities of choral music,” says Jean-Sébastien Vallée, Artistic Director.
- Find more information and tickets [HERE].
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