Elora Festival Singers artistic director Noel Edison has apologized for his actions but says he will be “exonerated” from sexual misconduct allegations.
The Grammy-nominated conductor was placed on leave by the Singers and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir (TMC) last week following the allegations.
“I recognize, on reflection, that there may have been times when my actions have been misconstrued,” Edison said in a statement released by his lawyer.
“If my actions were taken in a way that I did not intend, I take responsibility for that mistake and unreservedly apologize to anyone who was made, even inadvertently, to feel uncomfortable.”
Edison, a member of the Order of Ontario and a longtime Elora resident, said he supports the #metoo movement and will cooperate fully with an independent investigation launched by the Elora Singers and the TMC.
“Once all of the facts are known, I believe I will be exonerated,” Edison stated.
According to Ludwig van Toronto, the classical music website that first published the story, multiple male accusers have alleged sexual misconduct by Edison over several years, with some incidents taking place at the conductor’s home in Elora.
None of the allegations have been proven in court and Edison has not been charged by police.
Edison, 59, is a Toronto native who co-founded the Elora Festival in 1979 and, one year later, the Elora Festival Singers as its choir-in-residence.
On March 6 The Elora Singers and Elora Festival appointed Mark Vuorinen interim artistic director for both organizations. He will conduct the Singers on March 11 at an a cappella performance at Basilica of our Lady Immaculate in Guelph.
