Our Founding Director

Jurgen Petrenko, our Founding Director, announced his retirement at the end of our 2024-25 season after leading the choir for over three decades. In his remarkable career, Jurgen guided the choir from its beginnings as a small group of singers with a deep love for choral music to a full-sized choir that performs two to three times a year with a professional orchestra.

Through all those years, Jurgen's steadfast commitment to presenting choral music at its highest standards never wavered. Jurgen inspired fierce loyalty from everyone who sang for him, and he excelled at encouraging each member of the choir to bring forth the best performance they were capable of.

Under Jurgen's direction, the Toronto Classical Singers became a mainstay of Toronto's classical music scene. The choir's reputation, and its many accomplishments, endure as a lasting testament to Jurgen's skills as a leader and musician.

The Toronto Classical Singers will always be grateful to Jurgen's dedication and hard work. Our bright future and continued success are central to Jurgen's musical legacy.

Thank you Jurgen. All best wishes for a long and fulfilling retirement overflowing with wonderful music.