Toronto, June 29, 2022 … Tafelmusik Board Chair David Kilburn announced today that Carol Kehoe will be stepping down from her position as Executive Director. She will be relocating to Nova Scotia for family reasons and will work with Symphony Nova Scotia as Director of Marketing and Communications.
Kilburn also indicated that Tafelmusik will immediately form a search committee to begin the process of selecting Tafelmusik’s next Executive Director. The Board has appointed Daniela Nardi as Interim Executive Director, effective July 1, until a permanent executive director is hired.
Carol Kehoe came to Tafelmusik in 2018 as an accomplished leader with more than 25 years of management experience at senior levels. Under Kehoe’s guidance, Tafelmusik expertly navigated two years of pandemic planning, delivering three successive surplus budgets despite challenging circumstances, all while maintaining staff and compensating artists.
“I am delighted to have been a part of one of Canada’s true performing arts gems and look forward to watching Tafelmusik continue to adapt as the nation’s cultural landscape evolves,” said Carol Kehoe. “I convey my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the board, musicians, staff, and volunteers.”
Kehoe oversaw the pivot to online concert films and digital content, paving the way for a robust digital future at Tafelmusik that engages audiences around the world and across a wider spectrum. In response to the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Kehoe and her team launched a number of creative digital initiatives including Tafelmusik Together, Tafelmusik at Home, Tafel Talks, Tafel Magazine, and Musik in Motion —initiatives that have helped attract new audiences while engaging existing patrons.
A highly accomplished and strategic manager, Kehoe championed technology upgrades and compliance management for future operational efficiency at Tafelmusik and oversaw the introduction of new brand positioning. She instigated ongoing diversity initiatives and a diversity working group, resulting in the organization’s first-ever diversity plan. She also championed community partnerships with Doors Open Toronto and Toronto Botanical Gardens, among others, in keeping with Tafelmusik’s quest to explore baroque and beyond while contributing to community life.
Additional Tafelmusik achievements under Kehoe’s leadership include the 2019 Love & Betrayal UK Tour with soprano Karina Gauvin; releases on the Tafelmusik Media label, most notably a new studio recording, Vivaldi con amore; the reissue of The Music of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges with newly commissioned elements including artwork, an essay, and a Listening Guide that properly centre the composer’s achievements; and digital releases Baroque for the Brain, curated by late Music Director Emerita Jeanne Lamon, and Baroque for Baby, curated by Cristina Zacharias.
During Kehoe’s tenure, Tafelmusik presented several new multi-media programs: The Harlequin Salon, The Indigo Project, Music & Magic, The Gull, the Racoon, the Last Maple, and A Tafelmusik Tribute to Jeanne Lamon, and also commissioned works from four Canadian composers: Andrew Balfour, Cecilia Livingston, Tawnie Olson, and Abigail Richardson-Schulte.
“Carol’s capable, steady hand has guided Tafelmusik through the turbulence caused by the global pandemic,” said David Kilburn. “Over the past four years, she has kept Tafelmusik on course while introducing opportunities for innovation and increased community engagement, even as we navigated a disruptive and unprecedented situation. We are extremely grateful to Carol for her leadership and dedication and wish her the very best in her new role.”
Incoming Interim Executive Director Daniela Nardi was a Tafelmusik board member from November 2018 to June 2022. As a seasoned arts professional, Nardi has established herself not only as an award-winning musician but as a cultural arts leader. Past roles include founder and Artistic Director of the Salone di Cultura, Cultural Director of the Columbus Centre, and board member at Villa Charities. She is currently in development for what she calls the Italian Music Experience, a music series/festival + meeting place entitled – TEMPO Fest – where she is the founding Artistic Director/CEO. As a musician, Nardi has recorded and performed at many prestigious venues and festivals around the world. She recently served as Executive/Artistic Director of 918 Bathurst Culture Arts Media and Education (2017-2021).
Tafelmusik gratefully acknowledges our government partners, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
ABOUT TAFELMUSIK
Tafelmusik is an orchestra, choir, and experience that celebrates beauty through music of the past. Founded over 40 years ago on the pillars of passion, learning, and artistic excellence, Tafelmusik continues to bring new energy to baroque music and beyond. Historically informed performances of 17th- to 19th-century instrumental and choral music share the stage with vibrant, insightful multimedia programs, and bold new music written just for the group. Each piece is played on period instruments, underscored and illuminated by scholarship.
Through dynamic performances, international touring, award-winning recordings, and comprehensive education programs, Tafelmusik invites audiences to engage with beauty and experience the breadth of emotion music can inspire.
Website: tafelmusik.org
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Media contact: Luisa Trisi, Big Picture Communications
luisa@luisatrisi.com | 427 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M5S 1X7