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Toronto, May 23, 2018 … Tafelmusik Board Chair Helen Polatajko announced today that William Norris has resigned from his position as Managing Director, his last day being July 4, 2018. Mr. Norris will be relocating to London. Ms. Polatajko also stated that Tafelmusik will immediately form a search committee and engage a search consultant to begin the process of appointing Tafelmusik’s next Managing Director.
“Over the past three years, William Norris has skillfully steered Tafelmusik through a period of profound change for the organization. During his tenure Elisa Citterio was appointed Music Director, and Tafelmusik has continued to build its stature as a global leader in period performance. We are extremely grateful to William for his dedication and leadership and wish him the very best in his new endeavour,” said Ms. Polatajko.
“It has been a privilege to lead Tafelmusik for these past three seasons. This has been a period of much change for this esteemed organization, not least with the appointment of Music Director Elisa Citterio. Leaving at such an exciting time is bittersweet, but I know this orchestra will go from strength to strength in her hands. I’d like to thank many people, in particular, the wonderful and often over-looked staff of this organization, who work so hard to realize the orchestra’s dreams. As well, I thank the incredible orchestra and choir, and the board and Chair Helen Polatajko,” said Norris.
Under Norris’ leadership, Tafelmusik has established several highly successful audience development initiatives to increase the orchestra’s reach, including Haus Musik, a multi-genre series that has attracted a new audience, 67% of which is under the age of 35; two concerts at Luminato’s Hearn Generating Station; and alongside these the establishment of the Close Encounters chamber series and the introduction of free pre-concert chats to all ticket holders for the first time. Tafelmusik has continued its tradition of prudent financial management under Norris’ direction, presenting surplus budgets for the past two seasons. Core funding was renewed from all major funding bodies, and includes Tafelmusik’s largest-ever touring grant from the Canada Council.
“During my first season as Music Director, William has been a strong, supportive partner with great vision. He is passionate about the future of classical music performance, and Tafelmusik has greatly benefitted from his innovative, creative ideas on how to bring our music to as wide an audience as possible. I truly appreciate everything William has done, and wish him every success,” said Music Director Elisa Citterio.
ABOUT TAFELMUSIK
Led by Music Director Elisa Citterio, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Chamber Choir is one of the world’s leading period ensembles and Canada’s most-toured orchestra. Tafelmusik engages Toronto audiences with an annual season of more than 80 concerts in diverse venues across the city, as well as national and international audiences through an extensive schedule of tours and critically acclaimed recordings. The Tafelmusik Chamber Choir, under the direction of Ivars Taurins, was formed in 1981 to complement the Orchestra. Tafelmusik also seeks to transport audiences to the baroque and classical periods through adventurous cross-cultural collaborations, on stage with Toronto’s Opera Atelier, and underground at its Haus Musik series. The orchestra’s musicians share their knowledge and experience through artist training initiatives such as the Tafelmusik Baroque Summer and Winter Institutes. Tafelmusik’s catalogue of award-winning recordings on the SONY, CBC Records, Analekta, and Tafelmusik Media labels have garnered nine JUNO Awards and numerous other recording prizes. Jeanne Lamon continues her association with Tafelmusik as Music Director Emerita.
2017/18 SEASON PARTNERS
Tafelmusik wishes to thank the following for their generous support: BMO Financial Group, TD Bank Group, RBC Foundation, Hal Jackman Foundation, KPMG, Great West Life, London Life, Canada Life, McLean Foundation, Blakes LLP, iA Securities, Stikeman Elliott LLP, Margaret and John Catto, Margaret and Jim Fleck, The Pluralism Fund, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, Classical 96.3 FM, and NOW Magazine. Tafelmusik is a proud partner of the Bloor St. Culture Corridor.
