David Fallis named interim conductor of Toronto Mendelssohn Choir

TORONTO – The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir has found an interim conductor and artistic adviser for its next two seasons.

David Fallis takes over from Noel Edison, the longtime conductor and artistic director who resigned in April following an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. At the time he stepped down, Edison’s representatives at Dean Artists Management said they had “no comment.”

Choir executive director Cynthia Hawkins says Fallis will spearhead the next two seasons amid an international search for a new artistic director.

The 2018/19 season starts with performances with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra in the fall, including Benjamin Britten’s “War Requiem” to commemorate 100 years since the end of the First World War.

The choir’s concert season begins in early December with its annual Festival of Carols, and in January, a free community concert will focus on composers from Canada and the United States.

February features two 18th century choral-orchestral masterpieces by Handel and Haydn, and the season concludes with its annual concert Sacred Music for a Sacred Space in April.