Jean-Sébastien Vallée
Jean-Sébastien Vallée is a renowned Canadian-American conductor, scholar, and pedagogue recognized for his expertise in vocal, choral, and orchestral repertoires. With a career spanning over several decades, Vallée has conducted numerous ensembles across North America, Europe, and Asia, and has collaborated with some of the world's most prestigious orchestras including the Boston, Chicago and Toronto Symphony Orchestras, l’Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa.
Dr. Vallée is Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the renowned 170-voice Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the professional chamber ensemble, the Toronto Mendelssohn Singers. In addition, Jean-Sébastien is Full Professor of Music, Director of Choral Studies, and Coordinator of the Conducting & Ensembles Area at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University. He has previously served as the Director of Choral Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, and was on the choral faculty of the University of Redlands.
Vallée’s recordings have been broadcast internationally and include Remember (ATMA, 2024), Distance (ATMA, 2021), Requiem (ATMA, 2018 – requiems by Fauré and Duruflé), and Lux (ATMA, 2017).
Most recently, he was honoured with the 2025 Université Laval Distinguished Alumnus Award as well as the Order of Choral Merit, the highest distinction awarded by the Alliance chorale du Québec, recognizing his exceptional career, his deep commitment to musical and community leadership, and his significant role in shaping the future of classical music.
In the upcoming season, Maestro Vallée will return to the Orchestre symphonique de Québec and make his debut with the Seattle Symphony and the Pacific Symphony.
Dr. Vallée is Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the renowned 170-voice Toronto Mendelssohn Choir and the professional chamber ensemble, the Toronto Mendelssohn Singers. In addition, Jean-Sébastien is Full Professor of Music, Director of Choral Studies, and Coordinator of the Conducting & Ensembles Area at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University. He has previously served as the Director of Choral Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, and was on the choral faculty of the University of Redlands.
Vallée’s recordings have been broadcast internationally and include Remember (ATMA, 2024), Distance (ATMA, 2021), Requiem (ATMA, 2018 – requiems by Fauré and Duruflé), and Lux (ATMA, 2017).
Most recently, he was honoured with the 2025 Université Laval Distinguished Alumnus Award as well as the Order of Choral Merit, the highest distinction awarded by the Alliance chorale du Québec, recognizing his exceptional career, his deep commitment to musical and community leadership, and his significant role in shaping the future of classical music.
In the upcoming season, Maestro Vallée will return to the Orchestre symphonique de Québec and make his debut with the Seattle Symphony and the Pacific Symphony.
FEATURED IN
Ode to Joy
