Mervon Mehta to Step Down from Toronto's Royal Conservatory
Mehta has served as Executive Director of Performing Arts since 2009
The Royal Conservatory (RCM) in Toronto announced that Mervon Mehta, its Executive Director of Performing Arts, will step down in June 2026.
Mehta was first appointed in 2009 and had sole oversight of the artistic vision and programming of Koerner Hall from its initial launch. During his tenure, the hall has hosted 1,500 concerts, including 130 world premieres and 83 RCM commissions as part of the 21C Music series.
Programming themes have included tributes to Oscar Peterson; explorations of jazz; a 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, a celebration of female performers.
Mehta also founded KUNÉ, Canada’s Global Orchestra, in 2017, with the goal of reflecting the diversity of Toronto’s music community. The orchestra has become known for its inventive programming and dynamic performances.
In 2025, Mehta received the King Charles Coronation Medal. He has been on 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 a juror and committee member for the Juno Awards.
"My 17 years at The Royal Conservatory have been defined by collaboration, trust and a shared belief in the power of music and performance," Mehta said. "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 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," said Peter Simon, President Emeritus of RCM.
"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."






















