Article content

When he was announced in 2014 as the new president and CEO of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Jeff Melanson was described as a “bold change-agent” and “top cultural executive” who was bound to boost the international stature of the organization.

One Toronto media outlet called him a “miracle worker” and “cultural visionary.”

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or TSO boss resigns amid sexual harassment allegations from his estranged wife Back to video

But just over a year after stepping into the role, Melanson has resigned — mired in a messy courtroom battle with his estranged wife, Eleanor McCain, that involves sordid allegations of deception and sexual improprieties.

The news came in the form of a stripped-down press release Wednesday titled “TSO Statement on Leadership Change.” Board chair Richard Phillips announced the board and Melanson had “mutually decided it is in the best interests of both parties that he resign.”

In an interview, Phillips said he was grateful for Melanson’s strategic vision and that the decision to part ways came after “a lot of soul searching.” It was agreed, he said, there were things Melanson needed to focus on outside of the TSO.