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TORONTO –  September 30, 2019 – Daniel Weinzweig, president of the Soundstreams Board of Directors announced today that Executive Director Ben Dietschi will be leaving Soundstreams after seven years, the last four as lead administrator. He departs November 18 to begin a principal role at another arts and culture organization.

The board has determined an orderly transition process for the role by commissioning a search headed by Searchlight Partners, the leading cultural search firm in Canada.

“Ben has guided us thorough some incredible growth and laid strong foundations for our future ambitions. His passionate, rigorous, and transparent leadership helped create a spirit of collaboration and trust between board and staff as the organization grew. It will be exciting to continue our trajectory with a fresh perspective from Ben’s successor. Growing audiences here in Toronto and in our upcoming major tours will be a priority.” – Daniel Weinzweig, board president

During Dietschi’s tenure the organization eliminated its accumulated deficit, expanded its revenues by $590K (67%) since 2015 to support more opera and staged work, launched an ambitious international touring program, and transformed its brand to reach new audiences.

In a letter to Soundstreams’ Board of Directors, Dietschi writes:

“Leaving behind this organization that I am so passionate about was not an easy decision. I am grateful for the ways that Soundstreams profoundly shaped my arts management career and I take comfort in knowing that the organization is in a position of real strength and opportunity.”

In the fall, Soundstreams is honoured to present two projects that celebrate Indigenous voices in contemporary music. Two Odysseys is the world’s first opera in the languages of both Cree and Sámi co-created with Indigenous Canadian company Signal Theatre and the The Sámi National Theatre Beaivváš (Norway); and Odaabaanag, a project with music composed to the stories of residential school survivors, by mother-daughter duo Melody and Beverly McKiver for string quartet and the Jumblies Theatre community choir.

Beginning this season and next, Soundstreams fully realizes its leap onto the national and international stage with two productions: Hell’s Fury, The Hollywood Songbook, starring Russell Braun, tours to California, and will be part of the inaugural season at Le Diamant, Robert Lepage’s new venue in Quebec City. Our New York Times-lauded production of Claude Vivier’s Musik für das Ende tours to some of the most prestigious venues in Europe including: Southbank Centre (London), Elbphilharmonie (Hamburg), Concertgebow (Brugges), and Operadagen Festival (Rotterdam).

Lawrence Cherney, Artistic Director of Soundstreams, writes:

“Soundstreams started in my basement 37 years ago, hoping to foster Canadian music and build a legacy for it. In 2021 we’ve been invited to play a linchpin role in a Claude Vivier Festival at London’s Southbank Centre, arguably the most significant festival around a Canadian composer ever hosted by a major international venue. Ben has played a key role in helping us to realize our dreams for Canadian music, and his successor will have an unparalleled opportunity to nourish and broaden that vision.”

Prospective candidates are advised that applications will be accepted beginning October 1^st. Information about the position and application process can be found here:

https://www.searchlightpartnersgroup.com/news/2019/9/26/looking-for-the-next-executive-director-of-soundstreams

For Media inquiries:

Tim Crouch
Director of Marketing & Patron Experience
[email protected]
(416) 504-1282 x 102