A few days ago, Roy Thomson Hall threw itself a small 30th birthday party that included the launch of Roy Thomson Hall: A Portait, which I co-wrote with my former Toronto Star colleague, William Littler. Instead of hoarding my author’s copies of the book, I would like to give five away in return for five wonderful stories related to classical music in Toronto.
- Classical Music 101: What Does A Conductor Do? - June 17, 2019
- Classical Music 101 | What Does Period Instrument Mean? - May 6, 2019
- CLASSICAL MUSIC 101 | What Does It Mean To Be In Tune? - April 23, 2019
So here’s the deal: You write up an anecdote about a special musical moment you’ve experienced in Toronto — at the hands of a teacher, as a teacher, as an audience member, as a performer, or something completely unexpected.
All the submissions worthy of an all-ages website will get published during July and August. The five finest anecdotes, judged with utter prejudice and partiality by me, will receive a copy of the book. If there are more than five excellent submissions, I’ll draw the names out of a hat.
You have until July 1 to be inspired.
Of course, I can’t speak objectively about the book, but can say that I found the experience of researching a history that had its genesis in the early 1960s to be utterly fascinating.
It has never been easy to build cultural institutions in Toronto yet in every generation, there have been determined, strong leaders with a vision and the ability to inspire and/or cajole others to join the cause.
It took Edward Pickering several tries to get what initially was known as New Massey Hall built. The current hall only bears a passing resemblance to Arthur Erickson’s original plans. And it took 20 years to get the acoustics fixed. But it happened, and over the past three decades has grown in stature and its ability to truly reflect the many communities that make up Toronto in the process.
You can check out the details here.
And please take a moment to share your stories. They don’t have to be about Roy Thomson Hall, but they do have to be about the many wonders of being a music lover in Toronto. There is no maximum length, but do try to write at least 400 words, if you can.
You can send your submissions to suchacritic (at) gmail
I’m looking forward.
John Terauds
- Classical Music 101: What Does A Conductor Do? - June 17, 2019
- Classical Music 101 | What Does Period Instrument Mean? - May 6, 2019
- CLASSICAL MUSIC 101 | What Does It Mean To Be In Tune? - April 23, 2019
