After three long years of renovations and revitalization, Toronto’s Massey Hall is set to reopen in November 2021. The venerable concert hall will celebrate its 127th birthday on July 14, 2021.
Jesse Kumagai, President and CEO, Massey Hall, commented in a media release.
“Three years ago today, Massey Hall was filled with artists and fans as we counted down the days before we closed for renovation. No one could have predicted the challenges we would all face in the ensuing years. There isn’t enough that can be said about those who have helped us reach this point. From each and every order of government to the incredible vision of Allied Properties and The Slaight Family Foundation, our supporters and all the people pouring their hearts and souls into your beloved hall are the reason today’s announcement is possible,” he said.
About Massey Hall
- The Hall first opened in 1894 as a 3,500 seat theatre.
- It’s named after Charles Massey, son of builder Hart Massey, businessman and philanthropist who went on to found Massey-Ferguson.
- The building was designated a National Historic Site of Canada on June 15, 1981.
Throughout its history, Massey Hall’s stage has seen Canada’s and the world’s greatest artists performing, including Maria Callas and Enrico Caruso, George Gershwin, Glenn Gould, Vladimir Horowitz, and Oscar Peterson, among many others.
“The revitalization of Massey Hall is a strategic restoration of the heritage details that make the Hall so beloved and an update to all the hard-working parts of the Hall as a performance venue— to make it work that much better. Critical to success is maintaining the built-in intimacy of the performer to audience relationship, as well as adding a new level of flexibility, and new spaces to broaden the offering,” said Marianne McKenna, KPMB Founding Partner & Lead Design Partner for the Massey Hall Revitalization, in a release.
Attached to the old structure of Massey Hall, the Allied Music Centre will include a number of additions and improvements.
- Four additional venues for artists, educators and community groups
- A basement bar, theatre, and club
- Artist resources like the Deane Cameron Recording Studio
Concerts Highlights: November 2021 Through 2022
“Today’s announcement feels like a homecoming for many artists whose music helped shape the legacy of this incredible venue, ushering in a new era alongside those announcing their Massey Hall debuts. The weeks and months ahead will reveal more exciting news as additional concerts are added to the Massey Hall schedule and we unveil details of Allied Music Centre’s new performance spaces,” Kumagai said.
- Gordon Lightfoot — the Canadian legend will open up the season on November 25, 26 & 27, 2021
- Buffy Sainte-Marie — the iconic musician and activist will perform with special guests The Sadies on November 30, 2021
- The Tenors — Santa’s Wish Tour brings them to Massey Hall on December 22, 2021
- Leif Vollebekk — the rising star will perform February 26, 2022
- Tanya Tagaq — the innovative Inuit singer takes the stage on March 30, 2022.
- Buddy Guy — the GRAMMY-Award winning Blues veteran returns to Toronto on April 9, 2022
- Ólafur Arnalds — the Icelandic composer and producer finally plays his COVID-rescheduled concert on May 31, 2022
The whole slate of confirmed concerts is available on the Massey Hall website.
Tickets go on sale for all concerts on Monday, June 21 at 12 p.m. and are available by phone or online. Ticket holders for rescheduled concerts will be contacted by the venue.
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