Toronto’s Royal Conservatory of Music has announced a preview of the performances for 2026/27, the 18th season of music programming at Koerner Hall. Alexander Brose, Michael and Sonja Koerner President & CEO of The Royal Conservatory of Music, Executive Director of Performing Arts Mervon Mehta, and Dean of The Glenn Gould School James Anagnoson made the announcement today, including 33 classical and jazz concerts.
The full season lineup of more than 80 concerts, which will also include pop, world music, and student concerts, will be released in June.
“The Royal Conservatory’s 2026-27 season celebrates the remarkable range and vitality of today’s musical landscape, bringing together legendary artists, distinctive voices, and exceptional rising stars,” says Alexander Brose in a statement. “A highlight of the season is A Centenary of Trane and Miles, a special series honouring the enduring legacy of John Coltrane and Miles Davis through performances that reflect their lasting influence on jazz, and far beyond.
“From the largest Piano Recitals series in our history and the return of our exciting Orchestrated concerts, to appearances by many of the world’s most celebrated classical, jazz, and global artists, 2026-27 also marks the final season programmed by Mervon Mehta, whose singular artistic vision has shaped 18 concert seasons that are unrivaled for their breadth, quality, and cultural impact. My deepest thanks to Mervon, as well as to the RCM’s irreplaceable partners and staunch supporters, for making it possible to share the world’s greatest musicians in our extraordinary spaces. Enjoy the performance and welcome to The Royal Conservatory of Music!”
Mervon Mehta adds, “As I review the 33 concerts we are announcing as the first part of our 2026-27 season, it is somewhat of a coincidence that this also marks my 33rd year of programming major concerts halls in Chicago, Philadelphia, and Toronto.
“Add to that a previous 12 years acting on stages across North America and countless nights spent in theatres other than my own. In total, up to 7,000 nights have been spent in darkened rooms listening to, watching, or participating in great performances. The spark of live performance has never died. More than half of the artists appearing the final season I have programmed for the RCM are also dear friends or former students, some of whom I have known for decades. This has not been planned, but is wholly gratifying and humbling. I hope that you will enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed programming their special projects.”
Stewart Goodyear at Koerner Hall in 2016:
McKenzie Warriner performs with pianist Stephane Mayer at Koerner Hall, 2025:
Kronos Quartet with Tanya Tagaq at Koerner Hall in 2016:
The Royal Conservatory Orchestra, 2020:
During the 2026/27 season, the acclaimed Royal Conservatory Orchestra will be led by Laura Jackson, Music Director of the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, Canadian conductor Tania Miller, Artistic Director of the Brott Music Festival and the Artistic Director and Conductor of the National Academy Orchestra of Canada and of Brott Opera, Korean-Canadian conductor Earl Lee, and Music Director of the Los Angeles Opera James Conlon.
The soloists are all winners of 2026 Robert W. and G Ann Corcoran Concerto Competition, including violinist Anna Yin, the Grand Prize winner of the Competition, violist Shyler Macaggi, soprano Alyssa Bartholomew, and cellist Mira Kardan.
The Glenn Gould School Spring Opera, part of the Price Opera Program, will be performed on March 17 and 19, 2027, and conducted by Judith Yan.
Highlights of the jazz series include a celebration of 100 years of Miles Davis and John Coltrane in a five-concert series titled A Centenary of Trane and Miles. It features artists such as John Beasley, Ewan Farncombe and friends, the Branford Marsalis Quartet and Dianne Reeves, Chicago trumpet master Orbert Davis with Toronto Tenor Madness featuring three of Toronto’s great saxophonists, and the all-female Artemis with Pat LaBarbera.
The popular Quiet Please, There’s a Lady on Stage series returns with Portuguese fado singer Mariza, cabaret favourite Meow Meow, and Stacey Kent.
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