2nd annual TMC Choral Conductors’ Symposium January 24-28, 2012 Toronto

The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir is now accepting applicants for the 2nd annual TMC Choral Conductors’ Symposium.  The TMC created this national symposium in 2011 as part of its Emerging Conductors Program to bring together emerging choral conductors with acclaimed conductor Noel Edison and two internationally recognized choirs. During the symposium participating conductors work intensively with Noel Edison and the choirs to expand their own choral conducting skills.  In 2012 the five-day Toronto-based symposium will take place from January 24 through 28, 2012.

Participating conductors will not only refine their skills in workshops with Noel Edison, but will be given the rare opportunity to conduct the 150-voice Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the chamber-sized Elora Festival Singers.  Working with these two ensembles of experienced and skilled singers will present the conductors with the opportunity to experiment with their own conducting styles and musical interpretation. 

Five conductors will be accepted into the program.  There will also be opportunities for others to participate as observers.  The deadline for conductors to submit their application to participate is November 11, 2011.  Details, including the registration form, are available on the TMC Choral Conductors Symposium web page.
To conclude the Symposium, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the Elora Festival Singers, led by the five participating conductors, will present a Community Concert open to the public.  This Community Concert will take place on Saturday, January 28 from 3:00-4:30 pm at Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, Toronto (doors will open at 2:30 pm).

Noel Edison is well established as one of the most versatile and charismatic conductors in the world today. As conductor and artistic director of two world-class Canadian ensembles, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the Elora Festival Singers, Edison is widely recognized and appreciated for his skillful, interpretive work with both choir and orchestra.  He is also an experience workshop leader, guiding other conductors in achieving their own artistic vision.

Founded in 1894, the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir (TMC) is Canada’s outstanding large vocal ensemble, numbering over 150 voices.  The TMC performs an annual subscription series and makes regular guest appearances with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. The TMC’s concert repertoire ranges from Renaissance masterpieces to large-scale symphonic works and new compositions.

The Elora Festival Singers, a professional chamber choir, was founded in 1980 by Noel Edison. Through a regular concert series, recordings, broadcasts and touring, the Elora Festival Singers has established a reputation as one of the finest chamber choirs in Canada and beyond.


The Choral Conductors’ Symposium is supported by RBC Foundation.