For the past 14 years, Executive Director Cynthia Hawkins has been the administrative leader of the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. Earlier in May she informed the TMC Board of Directors that she would be taking her retirement at the end of August. In her letter to the Board, Cynthia stated “My work with the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir has been the highlight of my professional career. I will miss the choristers, TMC staff and the excitement of performances very much.”

Erin Finlay, Chair of the Board of Directors, commented: “We are incredibly grateful for Cynthia’s passion for choral music and for the TMC, and for her steady administrative hand that has guided the organization over the past 14 years. She formed strong relationships with choristers, artistic leadership, the Toronto Symphony, patrons, donors, arts councils and staff  – relationships that are the foundation of the TMC community. The Board thanks Cynthia for her incredible leadership and outstanding commitment to the Choir.   We are also very pleased that Cynthia will oversee the transition to a new executive director and stay closely involved with the Choir during the upcoming season as a member of the Artistic Director Search Committee.”

Artistic and administrative planning for the 2019/20 season is close to being finalized, including an exciting concert schedule that will feature appearances by guest conductors as part of the Choir’s international search for a new artistic director, a 125th anniversary gala performance in October, and multiple appearances and a recording with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The search for a new executive director is underway and the Board expects to have the position filled by  the start of our next season.

The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir wishes Cynthia all the best in her retirement and looks forward to welcoming her back to TMC concerts in the coming seasons.