Former Tafelmusik Director Jeanne Lamon Has Died, Aged 71

The early music violinist, specialist, and educator has passed away from cancer

Jeanne Lamon, former director of Toronto’s Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, spent 33 years leading the early music ensemble to international acclaim. Later in life, she was also Artistic Director of the Health Arts Society of Ontario, an organization providing seniors in long-term care and retirement homes with quality music concerts.

A graduate of Brandeis University, she specialized in baroque violin in the early 1970s. She served as concertmaster for period orchestras in both Europe and North America from 1972 to 1981. As an educator, she taught at Canada’s Royal Conservatory of Music and the University of Toronto — and received an honorary doctorate from York University in 1994. 

"Jeanne was an amazing and gifted leader who greatly inspired me and many colleagues around the world," said Tafelmusik's Music Director Elisa Citterio. 

"She remains and will always be an integral part of our wonderful organization because we are the fruit of her tireless passion and tenacity. We are heartbroken to have lost her, but the memory of her smile, laughter, and unbridled creativity will console and uplift us. Jeanne lives on in our music, and every note that Tafelmusik plays will be dedicated to her memory."

Our condolences are with Ms. Lamon’s family, friends, and colleagues.