The Royal Conservatory has announced that Mervon Mehta will step down from his role as Executive Director, Performing Arts after 17 years. He’ll continue in his role to help launch the 2026-27 season of live performance, concluding his tenure at the end of June 2026.
Mehta joined the RCM in 2009, and has established the artistic vision and programming for Koerner Hall as one of Canada’s most respected and revered performance venues. His eclectic programming style has drawn a diverse array of audience into the acoustically excellent venue, and earned the respect of artists along the way.
“My 17 years at The Royal Conservatory have been defined by collaboration, trust and a shared belief in the power of music and performance,” said Mervon Mehta in a statement.
“I am deeply thankful to my colleagues past and present across the RCM for their partnership, inspiration and friendship, to my friends in venues across North America, to our funders, and especially to the artists and audiences who brought Koerner Hall to life. My deep appreciation to Michael Koerner and Dr. Peter Simon whose vision led to the construction of the hall and to the trust they bestowed upon me to realize that vision. These experiences will remain with me always. You will see me enjoying concerts in the hall for many more years to come.”
Mervon Mehta, Executive Director, Performing Arts: Highlights
There have been many significant developments at the RCM and Koerner Hall during Mervon’s tenure as Executive Director, Performing Arts.
- The successful launch of Koerner Hall, where Mehta has programmed more than 1,500 concerts, including 130 world premieres, and 83 RCM commissions via the 21C Music Festival, demonstrating his commitment to the creation of new Canadian music.
- Programming that has incorporated a wide variety of special events and curated series, including tributes to Oscar Peterson, explorations of jazz music, a global music series that has showcased artists from more than 70 countries, and the launch of Quiet Please, There’s a Lady on Stage, dedicated to celebrating great female performers.
- He launched the International Orchestra Series, bringing renowned international ensembles to Toronto, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Riccardo Muti and the Czech Philharmonic with Semyon Bychkov, as well as season gala concerts with artists like Meryl Streep and Bill Murray.
- Community-minded initiatives such as participation in Nuit Blanche, Koerner Hall Free For All, an open-stage program that invites community performers, three events commemorating the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, and more.
“From day one, Mervon understood that a great concert hall is defined not only by architecture, but by the trust it inspires in artists and audiences,” said Alexander Brose, Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO of The Royal Conservatory.
“He built a reputation for artistic courage, presenting programs that challenged, inspired, and reflected the diverse communities of Toronto and beyond. His leadership has positioned Koerner Hall as a cultural beacon both nationally and internationally.”
Mehta also founded KUNÉ, Canada’s Global Orchestra, in 2017 to celebrate and showcase Toronto’s diverse music community. “I wanted to create a band that looked like Toronto and sounded like Toronto — the way the city actually feels when you get on the subway. KUNÉ became a living expression of that idea,” Mehta said.
He has been recognized for his contributions to cultural life on a national scale, including receiving the King Charles Coronation Medal in 2025. He’s served on a number of committees and other organizations, such as Culture Days, the inaugural Toronto Music Advisory Committee, advisor to the National Arts Centre, the National Creation Fund, the Banff Centre, co-chair of the International Society of Performing Arts Congress in Toronto, and as a juror and committee member for the JUNO Awards.
“Mervon brought an extraordinary combination of attributes to the position: an understanding of the primacy of artistic excellence, a grasp of the financial aspects of a large entity, the ability to manage the day to day complexities of a unique operation, and a rare gift to engage the many communities of our city. As a result, millions of people in our region had the opportunity to be inspired by the world’s greatest artists, performing music of every genre in an acoustically perfect and intimate venue. My sincere thanks and admiration go to Mervon,” noted Peter Simon, President Emeritus of The Royal Conservatory, who hired Mehta in 2009.
“The impact Mervon has had on The Royal Conservatory, Koerner Hall, and the broader Canadian cultural landscape is immeasurable,” added Brose. “His vision and dedication will continue to guide our work, and his presence will remain felt in our halls and our hearts for years to come.”
Toronto wishes him well on any future endeavours.
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