Acclaimed Toronto conductor David Fallis has been named as Toronto Mendelssohn Choir 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,” commented 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.” Learn more about David Fallis.
The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir’s 2018/19 season starts with performances with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in the Fall, including Benjamin Britten’s compelling War Requiem in a concert that commemorates 100 years since the conclusion of the First World War. The TMC’s own concert season begins in early December with Festival of Carols, the Choir’s annual joyous welcome to the season. Then in January, a Free Community Concert will focus on the music of great composers from Canada and the United States. In February the TMC, with orchestra, will perform two great 18th century choral-orchestral masterpieces by Handel and Haydn. The season concludes with Sacred Music for a Sacred Space in April with a program that brings together two rich choral traditions: the French subtlety of Messiaen, Poulenc and Martin, and the mystical traditions of Eastern Europe and Russia.
Interim Conductor and Artistic Advisor David Fallis says of the season: “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.”
The TMC’s concert season for 2018/19
Festival of Carols
TMC’s popular concert of music for the season, with the fabulous brass of the Canadian Staff Band of the Salvation Army and, new for this year, the young voices of the Toronto Youth Choir. Audience members will be invited to join in the sing-along of favourite Christmas carols.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 7:30 pm
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 7:30 pm
Spotlight on North America – Free TMC Community Concert
A wonderful opportunity for local audiences to experience a concert of great choral music from close to home sung by the Grammy-nominated Toronto Mendelssohn Choir in this Spotlight on North America. Enjoy music by North American composers, including arrangements of popular folk songs by Ernest MacMillan, Harry Somers and Aaron Copland. This free matinee concert is part of the TMC’s outreach initiatives.
Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 3 pm
Handel and Haydn!
David Fallis leads the choir and orchestra in two great 18th century works – Handel’s beloved Coronation Anthems and Haydn’s deeply-felt Mass in the time of war.
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Sacred Music for a Sacred Space
The TMC visits another beautiful sacred space in Toronto for this annual a cappella concert of music for contemplation. David Fallis has brought together two rich choral traditions – music by French composers Martin, Messiaen and Poulenc together with the mystical traditions of Eastern Europe and Russia in music by Kodaly, Rachmaninov, Penderecki and Schnittke.
Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Good Friday, April 19, 2019 at 7:30 pm
Subscriptions and ticket sales will be through RCM Tickets with Buy More, Save More packages. Purchase two concerts and save 10% or three concerts and save 15%. Ticketing details will be announced later in June.
For more information on the TMC season visit the 2018/19 season web page.
TMC performs with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra
The TMC’s 2018/19 season also includes four concerts with the TSO. Tickets for these concerts can be purchased through the TSO Box Office.
Berlioz: Fantasy on Shakespeare’s The Tempest from Lélio (as part of the Symphonie Fantastique concert)
September 20 – 22, 2018
Britten: War Requiem
November 8 & 10, 2018
Handel: Messiah
December 17 – 23, 2018
Orff: Carmina Burana
June 19 – 23, 2019
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