The Glenn Gould Foundation

Celebrating Genius, Artistry and the Ideas that Change the World

The Glenn Gould Foundation’s mission is to honour 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 Glenn Gould Foundation was established in Toronto in 1983 and is a registered Canadian charitable organization. The Foundation not only seeks to extend awareness of Glenn Gould as an extraordinary musician, communicator and thinker, but also to extend his legacy through initiatives that realize the transformative impact of the arts on individual lives and society.

Both a national and international cultural institution, the Foundation’s signature activity, The Glenn Gould Prize, is recognized as one of the world’s premier honours in celebration of artistic excellence. The Prize resonates strongly across borders and cultures because of its connection to one of the world’s pre-eminent musical icons, making it a gift from Canada to the world.  The Prize marks Canada as a global centre of creativity and innovation.

Through The City of Toronto Glenn Gould Protégé Prize, Glenn Gould Concerts promoting young artists, its promotion of the El Sistema music education model, and initiatives such as this year’s “Street Tribute! The Glenn Gould Prize Salutes Leonard Cohen,” the Foundation plays an active role in promoting young artists and fostering music education as a force for social advancement.  For example, in 2010, The Foundation presented Young Artists Inspired by Glenn Gould, a concert at Rideau Hall for Their Excellencies the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, and Mrs. Sharon Johnston in which a roster of eight gifted musicians were presented to an audience of international diplomats and government leaders.

The Foundation continues to grow and embrace new opportunities, its work tied to the spirit of individuality, excellence and creative innovation embodied by Glenn Gould himself. 

Brian M. Levine
Executive Director

 

The Glenn Gould Foundation Inc. 

The Glenn Gould Foundation Inc. was established in 2009 as a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a parallel mission to The Glenn Gould Foundation in Toronto. Donations made to The Glenn Gould Foundation Inc. receive a tax receipt in US dollars.