After 17 years of transformative leadership, Mervon Mehta, Executive Director, Performing Arts, has made the difficult decision to conclude his distinguished tenure with The Royal Conservatory of Music. Mehta will remain with the Conservatory through June, ensuring a thoughtful transition and continuity for the Performing Arts division.
Since joining the RCM in 2009, Mehta has shaped the artistic vision and programming of Koerner Hall, guiding its evolution into one of Canada’s most respected and internationally recognized performance venues. Under his leadership, Koerner Hall has become synonymous with artistic excellence, eclectic programming, and a uniquely inclusive experience that has earned the respect of artists, audiences, and communities alike.
“My 17 years at The Royal Conservatory have been defined by collaboration, trust and a shared belief in the power of music and performance. I am deeply thankful to my colleagues past and present across the RCM for their partnership, inspiration and friendship, to my friends in venues across North America, to our funders, and especially to the artists and audiences who brought Koerner Hall to life. My deep appreciation to Michael Koerner and Dr. Peter Simon whose vision led to the construction of the hall and to the trust they bestowed upon me to realize that vision. These experiences will remain with me always. You will see me enjoying concerts in the hall for many more years to come.”
Mervon Mehta
Mehta oversaw the successful launch of Koerner Hall, a bold cultural vision realized under intense timelines and high expectations. From the opening festival, which featured Beethoven alongside Chick Corea and Ravi Shankar, Koerner Hall signalled that it would be more than a traditional concert hall. Programming has included over 1,500 concerts, featuring 130 world premieres and 83 RCM commissions as part of the 21C Music series, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to artistic innovation and the creation of new Canadian music.
“Under Mervon’s exemplary leadership, Koerner Hall has become one of the great performance venues of the world,” says acclaimed violinist James Ehnes, who has been friends with Mehta for 30 years.
Mehta’s visionary programming encompassed a wide range of specially curated series and landmark events, including tributes to Oscar Peterson (
Aspects of Oscar and celebrations marking the artist’s 90th and 100th birthdays); expansive explorations of jazz (
A Year of Great Sax,
Devoted to Dizzy,
A Salute to the Big Bands); global music series spotlighting traditions from over 70 countries including India, Cuba, Italy, Portugal, and from across Africa and the Middle East; and
Quiet Please, There’s a Lady on Stage, dedicated to celebrating great female performers.
Additional highlights included an International Orchestra Series featuring ensembles such as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra with Riccardo Muti and the Czech Philharmonic with Semyon Bychkov; season gala concerts with artists including Meryl Streep and Bill Murray; participation in Nuit Blanche;
Koerner Hall Free For All, an open-stage initiative welcoming community performers; three events commemorating the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation; and three critically acclaimed semi-staged productions of Stephen Sondheim’s
Follies, A Little Night Music and
Into the Woods, featuring all Canadian casts including Eric McCormack, Cynthia Dale, Eric Peterson, and Fiona Reid.
“From day one, Mervon understood that a great concert hall is defined not only by architecture, but by the trust it inspires in artists and audience. He built a reputation for artistic courage, presenting programs that challenged, inspired, and reflected the diverse communities of Toronto and beyond. His leadership has positioned Koerner Hall as a cultural beacon both nationally and internationally.”
Alexander Brose
Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO
The Royal Conservatory
Mehta's commitment to innovation is exemplified in KUNÉ, Canada’s Global Orchestra, which he founded in 2017 to reflect the diversity of Toronto’s music community. “I wanted to create a band that looked like Toronto and sounded like Toronto — the way the city actually feels when you get on the subway. KUNÉ became a living expression of that idea,” he said. KUNÉ has become an important feature of Toronto’s cultural landscape, known for its inventive programming and dynamic performances.
In addition to his artistic vision, Mehta has been recognized for his national contributions to the cultural life of Canada. In 2025, he received the King Charles Coronation Medal, an honour that highlights the significance and breadth of his impact. He has also served as a valued ambassador for Canadian music through roles with Culture Days, the inaugural Toronto Music Advisory Committee, advisor to the National Arts Centre, the National Creation Fund, the Banff Centre, co-chair of the International Society of Performing Arts Congress in Toronto, and as a juror and committee member for the Juno Awards.
Peter Simon, President Emeritus of The Royal Conservatory, who hired Mehta in 2009, added, “Mervon brought an extraordinary combination of attributes to the position: an understanding of the primacy of artistic excellence; a grasp of the financial aspects of a large entity; the ability to manage the day to day complexities of a unique operation; and a rare gift to engage the many communities of our city. As a result, millions of people in our region had the opportunity to be inspired by the world’s greatest artists, performing music of every genre in an acoustically perfect and intimate venue. My sincere thanks and admiration go to Mervon.”
Mehta is also recognized for his leadership in team building and institutional strength. He has nurtured a highly committed Performing Arts team whose deep expertise and extensive connections across the arts ecosystem represent a significant institutional asset.
His leadership consistently emphasized collaboration, community, and shared ownership of artistic excellence.
“The impact Mervon has had on The Royal Conservatory, Koerner Hall, and the broader Canadian cultural landscape is immeasurable,” added Brose. “His vision and dedication will continue to guide our work, and his presence will remain felt in our halls and our hearts for years to come.”
Mehta will remain with the RCM through June, including the announcement of the 2026-27 season, ensuring continuity for artists, staff, and audiences.