Toronto celebrates the artistry of Leonard Cohen with free events starting May 7

Toronto, ON (May 2, 2012) – The Glenn Gould Foundation has programmed a series of free events starting Monday, May 7, 2012 in celebration of iconic singer, songwriter, poet, artist and novelist Leonard Cohen, the Ninth Laureate of The Glenn Gould Prize.  

“Artworks” - Leonard Cohen Visual Art Exhibition
Allen Lambert Galleria, Brookfield Place (181 Bay Street)
Monday, May 7 to Saturday, May 19

Leonard Cohen has maintained a visual art practice since his early days in Montreal and Hydra. “Artworks” is a rare exhibition of 40 uniquely expressive lithographs revealing yet another creative manifestation of Leonard Cohen’s poetic vision.  

“Make This Waltz” – Private Youth Workshop and Concert
Friday, May 11

Sixteen aspiring young songwriters from music programs at Dixon Hall and SKETCH will participate in a special collaborative songwriting workshop with professional mentors Carole Pope, Ayah, Deborah Alexander and Blair Packham from the Songwriters Association of Canada (S.A.C.).  Following the workshop, participants and friends of Dixon Hall and SKETCH will attend one of the S.A.C.’s trademark showcase concerts, Bluebird North, featuring 3 accomplished performers including Julie Crochetière, Lauren Campbell and Theo Tams (Canadian Idol).  

“Street Tribute! The Glenn Gould Prize Salutes Leonard Cohen”
Various locations throughout Toronto’s downtown core
Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Leonard Cohen’s haunting melodies and words will permeate the streets of Toronto as solo artists and small musical ensembles occupy public spaces to enchant the public with Cohen’s spellbinding songs and poetry.  More than 25 artists will perform in locations including the business district, key arts and entertainment sites and popular shopping thoroughfares.  

“The Three Lennys” Screening at Toronto Jewish Film Festival
The Bloor Cinema (506 Bloor Street West)
Saturday, May 12 at 2:30 p.m.

The Toronto Jewish Film Festival presents a ticketed free screening of three films in celebration of Leonard Cohen:  I’m Your Man (2005) directed by Lian Lunsom, I Am A Hotel (1983) a short musical film written by Leonard Cohen and Mark Shekter, directed by Allan F. Nicholls, and the 1965 National Film Board documentary Ladies and Gentlemen…Mr. Leonard Cohen.  For more information call 416-637-3123.

These celebrations culminate with The Glenn Gould Prize Gala Concert in Honour of Leonard Cohen at Massey Hall on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 8:30 p.m.  This star-studded evening hosted by Colm Feore includes musical performances by Cowboy Junkies, Adam Cohen, Serena Ryder, Anjani Thomas, folk singer Basia Bulat, award-winning country singer/songwriters John Prine, James McMurtry, Jimmie Dale Gilmore; and poetry readings by Alan Rickman, Michael Ondaatje, and Gordon Pinsent with Blue Rodeo’s Greg Keelor and Travis Good.  Former Governor General and long-time friend, The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson will also deliver a spoken tribute.  Mr. Cohen will be present to receive his award at this ceremony.

About Leonard Cohen
A master songwriter, musician, poet, novelist and visual artist, Leonard Cohen’s stunning body of original work has touched the lives of millions with a career spanning six decades.  His dual careers in music and literature have continued fueling each other over the decades – his songs revealing a literary richness rare in the world of popular music, and his poetry and prose informed by an intense musicality.  Cohen’s Book of Longing (2006), a collection of prose, poetry and drawings, was the first book of poetry to reach the top of Canada’s bestsellers’ lists, and formed the basis of a memorable musical and theatre collaboration with composer Philip Glass.

Leonard Cohen is one of the most covered artists alive today, influencing generations of songwriters, and his music has earned the accolades of other artists in tribute albums in France, Norway, Canada, Spain, the Czech Republic, South Africa, and the United States. “Hallelujah”, one of Cohen’s best-known and best-loved songs has been covered by over 150 artists including Willie Nelson and Bono.  His music has been extensively featured in films and on television.  Numerous documentaries, awards, and tribute albums acknowledge the far-reaching contribution Cohen has made to music.  He continues to refine and deepen his art, and as a musician he is constantly exploring new territory.

The Glenn Gould Foundation gratefully acknowledges the support of its sponsors for making these events possible:
Power Corporation of Canada in association with Great-West Life, London Life, Canada Life, Investors Group and Mackenzie Investments 
Government of Ontario
The Bay
Sony Music Canada
Aeroplan Beyond Miles
The City of Toronto
SOCAN Foundation
The Fairmont Royal York Hotel Toronto

About the Glenn Gould Foundation
The Glenn Gould Foundation honours Glenn Gould’s spirit and legacy by celebrating brilliance, promoting creativity and transforming lives through the power of music and the arts with the Foundation’s signature activities, including The Glenn Gould Prize. The international award is presented biennially to a living luminary who has made a unique lifetime contribution through the arts.  The Foundation seeks to use the prize to stimulate projects of social impact and significance, as is reflected in its motto: From Celebration to Inspiration to Transformation.  Nominations for the prize are made by the general public and a laureate is subsequently chosen by an international panel of judges who convene in Toronto for deliberations.  A tribute to Glenn Gould’s artistry and his multifaceted contributions to culture, the prize promotes the vital connection between artistic excellence and the transformation of lives.  Past laureates include Dr. José Antonio Abreu (2008), founder of El Sistema, Venezuela’s free music education program for children and youth, Pierre Boulez (2002), Oscar Peterson (1993) and Yo-Yo Ma (1999).  For more information on the foundation, prize and laureates visit www.glenngould.ca .

The Glenn Gould Prize Gala Concert and Dinner preface the 80th anniversary of Glenn Gould’s birth on September 25, 2012, which will be marked by major commemorative events across Canada and around the world honouring this Canadian icon’s enduring contribution to music and global culture.

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Media Contact:
Karen Lorenowicz, KL Strategic Communications, 416-347-9661, karen.l@sympatico.ca

Star-studded roster honours Leonard Cohen at Glenn Gould Prize Gala on May 14th

Cowboy Junkies, John Prine, Adam Cohen

among musicians performing

Leonard Cohen will appear to accept his award

Toronto, ON (April 10, 2012) – An eclectic group of musicians and artists will perform in honour of iconic singer, songwriter, poet and novelist Leonard Cohen, the Ninth Laureate of The Glenn Gould Prize, on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 8:30 p.m. at Toronto’s Massey Hall (178 Victoria Street). Mr. Cohen will be present to receive his award at this ceremony.

Tickets to The Glenn Gould Prize Gala Concert in Honour of Leonard Cohen go on sale to the general public on April 12 at 11:00 a.m.

Billed as The Glenn Gould Prize Gala Concert in Honour of Leonard Cohen, the star-studded evening is hosted by Colm Feore and includes musical performances by Cowboy Junkies, Adam Cohen, Serena Ryder, folk singer Basia Bulat, award-winning country singer/songwriters John Prine, James McMurtry, Jimmie Dale Gilmore; and poetry readings by Gordon Pinsent with Greg Keelor (Blue Rodeo) and Travis Good (the Sadies). Former Governor General and long-time friend, The Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson will also deliver a spoken tribute.

The Glenn Gould Prize, valued at $50,000 (CDN), has been referred to as “The Nobel Prize of the Arts” and is awarded biennially to a living individual for a unique lifetime contribution that has enriched the human condition through the arts.  After accepting his Prize, Mr. Cohen will present The City of Toronto Glenn Gould Protégé Prize of $15,000 (CDN) to an outstanding young artist of his choice. 

A master songwriter, musician, poet, novelist and visual artist, Leonard Cohen’s stunning body of original work has touched the lives of millions with a career spanning six decades. His dual careers in music and literature have continued fueling each other over the decades – his songs revealing a literary richness rare in the world of popular music, and his poetry and prose informed by an intense musicality.  Cohen’s Book of Longing (2006), a collection of prose, poetry and drawings, was the first book of poetry to reach the top of Canada’s bestsellers’ lists, and formed the basis of a memorable musical and theatre collaboration with composer Philip Glass.

Leonard Cohen is one of the most covered artists alive today, influencing generations of songwriters, and his music has earned the accolades of other artists in tribute albums in France, Norway, Canada, Spain, the Czech Republic, South Africa, and the United States. “Hallelujah”, one of Cohen’s best-known and best-loved songs has been covered by over 150 artists including Willie Nelson and Bono.  His music has been extensively featured in films and on television.  Numerous documentaries, awards, and tribute albums acknowledge the far-reaching contribution Cohen has made to music.  He continues to refine and deepen his art, and as a musician he is constantly exploring new territory.

Regarding his Glenn Gould Prize, Mr. Cohen stated, 
“I want to thank The Glenn Gould Foundation for their kindness. It is a great honour, sweetened by my love of the work of Glenn Gould, and our collective appreciation of his invigorating and enduring presence in the world of Music and Imagination.”

Tickets to The Glenn Gould Prize Gala Concert in Honour of Leonard Cohen go on sale to the general public on April 12 at 11:00 a.m. and are available by calling 416 872-4255 or online at masseyhall.com or roythomson.com. Proceeds from the gala concert support the ongoing work of The Glenn Gould Foundation.

Prior to the Gala Concert, a celebratory dinner will be hosted at the newly renovated Arcadian Court.  Tickets are available online at vipgouldprize.eventbrite.ca or by calling 416 962-6200.

The Glenn Gould Prize Gala Concert and Dinner preface the 80th anniversary of Glenn Gould’s birth on September 25, 2012, which will be marked by major commemorative events across Canada and around the world honouring this Canadian icon’s enduring contribution to music and global culture.

The Glenn Gould Foundation honours Glenn Gould’s spirit and legacy by celebrating brilliance, promoting creativity and transforming lives through the power of music and the arts with the Foundation’s signature activities, including The Glenn Gould Prize. The international award is presented biennially to a living luminary who has made a unique lifetime contribution through the arts.  The Foundation seeks to use the prize to stimulate projects of social impact and significance, as is reflected in its motto: From Celebration to Inspiration to Transformation.  Nominations for the prize are made by the general public and a laureate is subsequently chosen by an international panel of judges who convene in Toronto for deliberations.  A tribute to Glenn Gould’s artistry and his multifaceted contributions to culture, the prize promotes the vital connection between artistic excellence and the transformation of lives.  Past laureates include Dr. José Antonio Abreu (2008), founder of El Sistema, Venezuela’s free music education program for children and youth, Pierre Boulez (2002), Oscar Peterson (1993) and Yo-Yo Ma (1999).  For more information on the foundation, prize and laureates visit www.glenngould.ca

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Media Contact:
Karen Lorenowicz, KL Strategic Communications, 416-347-9661, karen.l@sympatico.ca

Canadian Pianist Marika Bournaki returns to Carnegie Hall to Benefit The Glenn Gould Foundation

“Astonishing maturity... Marika Bournaki displayed amazing refinement and poetry.”
  - Thomas Beaujean, Aachener Zeitung

TORONTO (September 30, 2011) This November, twenty year-old Canadian musical sensation Marika Bournaki returns to Carnegie Hall to play a benefit recital for The Glenn Gould Foundation.  



"We are proud to have worked with Marika on a number of exciting projects," said Brian Levine, Executive Director of the Foundation.  "Her first benefit recital for us in 2008 was such a spectacular success that we jumped at the opportunity when she offered to support us with another performance," said Mr. Levine.  



As part of its mission to extend the legacy of Glenn Gould, the Foundation recognizes and celebrates young artists of extraordinary promise, providing the kind of support that helped launch Gould’s meteoric rise.  In 2007, Marika made a powerful impression on audiences when she opened the 18-month-long exhibition, Glenn Gould: The Sounds of Genius at the Canadian Museum of Civilization with a performance on Gould's favourite Steinway piano.  The event also marked the international celebration of the 75th anniversary of Gould’s birth.   Marika's New York debut in benefit of The Glenn Gould Foundation soon followed in 2008.  She also performed in front of distinguished audiences at an event honouring the Eighth Glenn Gould Prize Jury, including the world-renowned dramatic tenor Ben Heppner, the late Academy-Award winning director, playwright and screenwriter Anthony Minghella, award-winning author Michael Ondaatje and famed composer, musicologist and broadcaster Peter Shickele. 

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Euro Banking Association and The Glenn Gould Foundation Team Up for Sibos 2011 - Sept 19-23

TORONTO (September 12, 2011) – In a move drawing a direct link between the spirit of creativity and innovation at the heart of both modern finance and the arts, the Euro Banking Association has invited Canada’s Glenn Gould Foundation to be front and centre as part of the EBA Group exhibition stand at Sibos 2011. 

The display will include images of the legendary pianist and the actual prize sculpture created by Canadian artist Ruth Abernethy for presentation to laureates of The Glenn Gould Prize, the Foundation’s signature activity.

Sometimes referred to as “the Nobel Prize of the Arts,” The Glenn Gould Prize is one of the world’s most exclusive honours.  The Prize pays tribute to Glenn Gould’s legacy both as an artist and an innovator in communications technology, by recognizing rare individuals whose lifework enriches the human condition through the arts. Laureates include Lord Yehudi Menuhin, Oscar Peterson, Yo-Yo Ma, Dr. José Antonio Abreu (founder of the visionary El Sistema Program of free music education and orchestras for poor children in Venezuela) and most recently, Leonard Cohen.

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Leonard Cohen Awarded the Ninth Glenn Gould Prize

An iconic and innovative force in songwriting, performance and poetry

Toronto, ON (April 1, 2011) – Singer, songwriter, poet and novelist Leonard Cohen has been awarded The Ninth Glenn Gould Prize.  The international award is presented biennially to a living luminary who has made a unique lifetime contribution that has enriched the human condition through the arts and manifests the values of innovation, inspiration and transformation.  A tribute to Glenn Gould’s artistry and his multifaceted contributions to culture, the prize promotes the vital connection between artistic excellence and the transformation of lives.

“I want to thank The Glenn Gould Foundation for their kindness. It is a great honour, sweetened by my love of the work of Glenn Gould, and our collective appreciation of his invigorating and enduring presence in the world of Music and Imagination,” stated Leonard Cohen.

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