Toronto's Music Gallery has announced that artistic director David Dacks will step down from the role next year.
In a press release, the independent performance space outlined that the 2019-2020 season would be Dacks' last in the role, and that he will step down no later than October 2020.
"It has been an honour to serve the Music Gallery as Artistic Director," Dacks wrote in a statement. "This has been the most rewarding professional experience of my life so far. I have had more moments of musical joy and deep connection with artists than I could ever express. I am happy to pass the torch to someone new as the Music Gallery continues to solidify its home base at 918 Bathurst and strengthen its bonds with music lovers from all walks of life in Toronto."
Music Gallery president Dave Darby added, "David has fully embodied the artistic spirit of the Music Gallery during his tenure. His work has honoured our creative history at the same time it has written an exciting new chapter. I'm grateful for how David's programming has opened my ears personally, and I would like to extend much appreciation on behalf of the Board of Directors. We are sad to see David step away and are looking forward to his exciting last season with the Music Gallery."
News of Dacks' departure arrives alongside the first half of programming for the Music Gallery's 2019-20 season. The programming slate is highlighted by performances from electronic pioneer Morton Subotnick, Moor Mother, Jerusalem in My Heart, and the 14th edition of the X Avant New Music Festival which will feature Lido Pimienta, Willi Williams, New Chance and more.
Prior to his departure, Dacks will impart his knowledge and experience as part of a new Music Gallery mentorship program, through which he will train and collaborate with two artistic associates during the 2019-20 season. Further programming information can be found through the Music Gallery's official website.
A former Exclaim! contributor, Dacks began programming at the Music Gallery in September 2010, and has held the position of artistic director since 2012.
In a press release, the independent performance space outlined that the 2019-2020 season would be Dacks' last in the role, and that he will step down no later than October 2020.
"It has been an honour to serve the Music Gallery as Artistic Director," Dacks wrote in a statement. "This has been the most rewarding professional experience of my life so far. I have had more moments of musical joy and deep connection with artists than I could ever express. I am happy to pass the torch to someone new as the Music Gallery continues to solidify its home base at 918 Bathurst and strengthen its bonds with music lovers from all walks of life in Toronto."
Music Gallery president Dave Darby added, "David has fully embodied the artistic spirit of the Music Gallery during his tenure. His work has honoured our creative history at the same time it has written an exciting new chapter. I'm grateful for how David's programming has opened my ears personally, and I would like to extend much appreciation on behalf of the Board of Directors. We are sad to see David step away and are looking forward to his exciting last season with the Music Gallery."
News of Dacks' departure arrives alongside the first half of programming for the Music Gallery's 2019-20 season. The programming slate is highlighted by performances from electronic pioneer Morton Subotnick, Moor Mother, Jerusalem in My Heart, and the 14th edition of the X Avant New Music Festival which will feature Lido Pimienta, Willi Williams, New Chance and more.
Prior to his departure, Dacks will impart his knowledge and experience as part of a new Music Gallery mentorship program, through which he will train and collaborate with two artistic associates during the 2019-20 season. Further programming information can be found through the Music Gallery's official website.
A former Exclaim! contributor, Dacks began programming at the Music Gallery in September 2010, and has held the position of artistic director since 2012.
