Elton John is bringing his sparkle to the city this spring to accept the Glenn Gould Prize.
Organizers say the legendary musician is set to attend a May 9 gala at the Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto, where a “hand-selected” lineup of Canadian artists will pay tribute to his impact.
The performers include two-time Grammy winner Diana Krall, Juno Group of the Year winners the Beaches and two-time Polaris Music Prize winner Jeremy Dutcher.
Also on the bill are three-time Juno winner Ron Sexsmith, neo-soul artist Loony, Leonard Bernstein Award-winning mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo and classical pianist Ryan Wang.
John was announced as the latest recipient of the $100,000 biennial award administered by the Glenn Gould Foundation last year, in recognition of his work having “enriched the human condition.”
The jury, led by former prime minister Kim Campbell, said they selected John from a pool of candidates submitted by the public because of his massive musical success and the way he leverages his fame to advocate for the greater good.
A protégé chosen by John to receive $25,000 from the foundation will be announced later this month.
Tickets for the evening go on sale to fan club members Tuesday, Mar. 10 while sales to the general public begin Mar. 12 at 10 a.m.
The Glenn Gould Prize was created in 1987 by the Glenn Gould Foundation to honour Canadian pianist Glenn Gould, who died in 1982 at 50 years old.
Other Glenn Gould Prize laureates include Yo-Yo Ma, Philip Glass, and Leonard Cohen, who donated his then $50,000 reward to the Canada Council for the Arts.
— With files from The Canadian Press
