Happy Birthday… to us!

September 19, 2023, marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of The Glenn Gould Foundation!

We’re feeling very pleased about what we’ve accomplished so far, and we’re looking forward to the next 40 years!  

Please enjoy our 40th anniversary video for some of the highlights of our first 40 years.

The GGF was incorporated less than a year after the sudden, tragic death of Glenn Gould at the age of 50. The news of his passing – very much in the prime of his professional life – was met with shock, sadness, and profound love and appreciation from admirers, friends, and cultural leaders the world over.

“Here was a man you could really come to love. We became very close friends … He had an intellect that one could really play against and learn from. He was about fifteen years younger than I, I think, but I never felt that he was my junior, in any sense. He was a real peer, in every sense. When he died, l just couldn’t bear it.” Leonard Bernstein

Driven by the spirit of our founders, John Peter Lee Roberts (Head of Radio Music at CBC), Stephen Posen (sole executor of the Estate of Glenn Gould), filmmaker John McGreevy, and lawyer and patron of the arts John Lawson, and with the generosity of the late Floyd and Joan Chalmers, the GGF embarked on this remarkable journey that has taken us to all corners of Canada and around the world.

Our Vision

Our vision of creating the indispensable Canadian arts organization – one that reflects the ideals and achievements of our namesake – has been kept alive through the dedication, generosity, and hard work of our GGF directors; our individual, corporate, foundation, and government funders; and of course all those who love Glenn Gould’s recording, writings, and cultural commentary. All of you understand the power of the arts, and of this unique talent, to raise people up, to unite them despite differences, and to give voice to the highest human impulses and aspirations.

Over our 40 years, the GGF has celebrated the spirit and legacy of Glenn Gould with international and domestic concerts, festivals, academic works, and innumerable collaborations. We have commissioned original artworks, aided scholars, published the Glenn Gould Magazine, promoted young musicians, presented art exhibitions and symposia, contributed to school curriculum materials, and created our own acclaimed podcast, The Gould Standard … among many other events and activities.

Our Laureates

We are especially proud today of our 14 Glenn Gould Prize laureates – and the stellar and distinguished juries who chose them. The Glenn Gould Prize is indeed one of the world’s premier honours recognizing artistic achievement, innovation, and humanitarianism.

Look at these laureates!   

The celebrations of our laureates have been veritable festivals, featuring world-class performances, community outreach, educational events and more – all dedicated to the concept that the arts are fundamental to the human experience and a vital part of all our lives.

Our Future

At the moment, we are preparing for our most ambitious and powerful celebrations ever – in honour of our newest laureate, celebrated conductor and champion of music education, Gustavo Dudamel.

Please watch for our announcement of the World Congress on the Social Impact of Music later this year.

And if you’d like to say “Happy Birthday” to us, please feel free to use the DONATE button. We are always appreciative and pleased with the essential support that we receive. You can consider it as a birthday present to Glenn Gould!

“Thank You” – all of you – for helping to bring the arts alive – and The Glenn Gould Foundation flourishing!