On March 27, we made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of our 2019/20 season as part of our duty to protect the community. Here are just a few of the many faces of Tafelmusik who continue to work hard from their homes to maintain connection with you and bring you joy during this challenging time. From longtime harpsichordist Charlotte Nediger, to Martin Reis’ 25 years in the box office, to newcomers Bingbin Cheng in development and Keiran Campbell on cello, you can learn more about the people you will be supporting here. Please consider making a vital gift to support us as we plan for the future. Visit tafelmusik.org/support today to make a gift!
Charlotte Nediger and Ivars Taurins
Founding members of Tafelmusik, Charlotte Nediger and Ivars Taurins are partners in life and music. Against the backdrop of more than forty years of concerts and tours, they continue offering their valuable experience and guidance. In addition to her role as harpsichordist, Charlotte is very active behind the scenes in numerous roles, including music librarian and program editor. Ivars was violist in the orchestra for its first 23 years, and in 1981 founded world-renowned Tafelmusik Chamber Choir, which he directs to this day. He also created the persona of the adored if somewhat crusty Mr. Handel, who leads Toronto’s cherished Christmas ritual, our annual Sing-Along Messiah, now in its 39th year.
Patrick G. Jordan
Violist Patrick Jordan joined Tafelmusik in 1995 and is the current chair of the orchestra committee. He believes the music we play at Tafelmusik is a profoundly strong and essential thread in the fabric of our culture. Known for his insatiable curiosity, love of baseball, and legendary talents in the kitchen, Pat and his wife, cellist Margaret Gay, host an annual Christmas gathering for staff, musicians, and choir members.
Patricia Ahern
Violinist Patricia Ahern joined Tafelmusik in 2002. A gifted violinist and teacher, she enjoys watching performances by students she has coached and draws inspiration from seeing them in the audience at Tafelmusik concerts. She recalls an impromptu backstage post-concert party with musicians and their children, which felt like a big family reunion.
Martin Reis
Box office manager Martin Reis has been with Tafelmusik for 25 years and knows many of our patrons by name. After moving to Canada from Germany many years ago, he worked with Tourism Toronto and would often send visitors to enjoy Tafelmusik concerts. When a job opened up in the Box Office, he jumped at the chance. Martin’s father was a church organist and his mother’s maiden name is Bach, so it seems he was destined to join us here at Tafelmusik. Also known for his performance art and photography, Martin’s work has been published in NOW Magazine and Toronto Life.
Bingbin Cheng
Bingbin Cheng joined Tafelmusik’s Development team in 2019, and continues to hone her not-for-profit experience by working and volunteering for many arts and culture organizations in both Toronto and Peterborough. Outside of her working life, Bingbin also provides consultations in Asian arts for both private collectors and auction houses. “The rich history of Tafelmusik and the music we play is the missing link I needed.” In her eyes, the beauty of music transcends through the moving fingers of musicians and skillfully crafted instruments. “We are not just listening to the music itself, we are also witnessing the past and in a way re-living that period of time”.
Will Johnson
Tenor Will Johnson has been singing since the age of six and became a core member of Tafelmusik Chamber Choir in 2000. He feels most comfortable in a good choir and has a special affinity for the music of Bach, Handel, Lully, Charpentier, and Zelenka. In addition to his considerable musical talents, Will is a top-ranked rock climber who recently has represented our country in World Cup bouldering events and has competed as a member of the Open Canadian National Team.
Pippa Macmillan and Keiran Campbell
The latest core musicians to join the orchestra, Pippa Macmillan, double bass, and Keiran Campbell, cello, are newcomers to Toronto. They left their jobs and homes in London, UK, and New York, US, respectively to take up vital positions in our continuo section last fall. Both have remarked about how exciting it’s been to explore repertoire with such a closely-knit group of musicians led by Elisa Citterio.
Tafelmusik needs your support now more than ever. If you are able, please consider making a vital gift to support us as we plan for the months ahead. Click here to learn more about giving and supporting Tafelmusik.