Toru Takemitsu

Fourth Laureate of the Glenn Gould Prize

First Japanese composer to conquer the Western concert stage.

Biography

Toru Takemitsu (born Tokyo, Japan, 1930; died Tokyo, Japan, 1996) saw his work as a composer, teacher and author establish new bridges between East and West. A true multimedia artist, this prolific composer’s output included concert works for symphony orchestra, choir, chamber ensemble, traditional Japanese gagaku orchestra and electronics as well as soundtracks for ninety movies. It was Takemitsu’s unique fusion and synthesis of two traditions – Japanese traditional music and western concert music – that became a trademark of his work and earned him the respect of composers, musicians and music lovers around the world.

Fourth Glenn Gould Prize Gala

The fourth Glenn Gould Prize was presented posthumously to Mrs. Asaka Takemitsu and Ms. Maki Takemitsu, wife and daughter of Toru Takemitsu, by The Honourable Henry N.R. Jackman, 39th Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Ontario, in a ceremony at Glenn Gould Studio of the Canadian Broadcasting Centre, Toronto on September 25, 1996.

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The protégé

Tan Dun is a world-renowned conductor and composer who went on to win the Academy Award for the score of “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” and whose music is performed in the world’s major concert halls and opera houses.

It is such a great honour to have been chosen by Toru Takemitsu to receive The City of Toronto Glenn Gould Protégé Prize. Both of these men – two of the greatest musicians of the 20th century – had a legendary ability to communicate the voices of heaven, earth and humanity. This honour is a big encouragement for me to continue discovering the depths of music, to continue building the spiritual road between East and West.

Tan Dun