An all-Canadian lineup of artists, including Diana Krall, The Beaches, Ron Sexsmith, Jeremy Dutcher, LOONY, Emily D’Angelo, Ryan Wang and others will be on hand to pay a musical tribute to Elton John at the 15th Glenn Gould Prize Gala.
The Gala takes place on May 9, 2026 at The Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.
The Glenn Gould Prize, launched in 1987, is often called the Nobel Prize of the Arts, and is an internationally recognized cultural honour. The Prize recognizes the contributions of a living person of any nationality or creative field, and a lifetime of artistic achievement. The Prize, which is awarded biennially, goes to someone whose work is not only successful, but epitomizes the inventive talent of its namesake, the late Canadian pianist Glenn Gould. The Laureate’s work has made a significant contribution to the arts.
The Glenn Gould Prize includes an award of $100,000 CAD to the Laureate. In addition, the Laureate chooses a young artist who will receive the $25,000 CAD Glenn Gould Protégé Prize.
Elton John needs no introduced to music lovers. He’s an iconic artist who has carved out a unique career in the music industry.
The British pianist and singer-songwriter has enjoyed a career of more than five decades. He was a trailblazer, selling more than 300 million albums across the globe. He songs achieved more than 50 Top 40 hits, and his accolades include five Grammy Awards, two Academy Awards, an Emmy Award, and a Tony Award. “Candle in the Wind,” written with longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, remains the best-selling physical single of all time.
His humanitarian efforts include the creation of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Founded in 1992, he has helped to raise more than $650 million USD for HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and care worldwide. Elton is also a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, mental health, addiction awareness, and supporting emerging artists.
“In selecting Elton John, we chose to honour someone whose artistic achievements have been transformed into profound social impact,” said Ms. Campbell. “He has used his success to change lives, embodying the very highest ideals of the arts.”
John was selected by an international jury that includes: The Right Honourable Kim Campbell, former Prime Minister of Canada; Jeremy Irons, Academy Award, Tony Award, and Emmy Award-winning actor; Sam Jackson, Controller of BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms, Honourary Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music; Martin Katz, Academy Award-winning Canadian film and television producer and Member of the Order of Canada; Chris Levine, internationally acclaimed light artist; Alexander Neef, General Director of the Paris Opera; Lee Hall, celebrated playwright and screenwriter (Billy Elliot, Rocketman), Nyla Innuksuk, Inuk filmmaker and VR pioneer championing Indigenous storytelling; Bernhard Schlink, author of The Reader and recipient of Germany’s Order of Merit.
The jury considered several aspects of his career, including artistic excellence, innovation, his contributions to humanitarian and social causes, and the lasting impact of his work.
“Elton John is the perfect Laureate of the Glenn Gould Prize — an icon whose artistry, incredible versatility, passion, and courage have inspired generations,” said Brian Levine, CEO of The Glenn Gould Foundation.
“This gala promises an unforgettable night, with world-class performers paying tribute to his extraordinary career and a global audience of admirers gathering for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. This evening is not just a tribute to remarkable talent and artistic achievement, but a reflection of our mission to support and elevate the next generation of creative voices, something that Elton has done brilliantly for decades.”
Sir Elton John will be attending the gala in his honour on May 9.
John handpicked the Canadian artists who will be performing, including 2025 Juno Award-winning Group of the Year The Beaches, multiple Juno Award winning singer-songwriter Ron Sexsmith, Juno Award and Leonard Bernstein Award-winning mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo, classical pianist Ryan Wang, the BBC’s 2024 Young Musician of the Year, and others.
The Glenn Gould Protégé Prize will also be presented at the Gala. The winner will be announced later in March 2026.
Elton John’s Rocket Club members can get special pre-sale access beginning Tuesday, March 10 at 10:00 a.m. ET.
Other presale opportunities available on March 10 at 10:00 a.m.:
Find ticket details [HERE].
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