Elton John was recently announced as the recipient of The Glenn Gould Prize. His win and legacy as an artist and humanitarian will be recognized at a gala event in Toronto. Along with the Prize, the Glenn Gould Prize Laureate has the opportunity to name a Glenn Gould Protégé Prize winner who will receive a cash award of $25,000 CAD.
Elton John has named mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo as this year’s Glenn Gould Protégé Prize winner. The Glenn Gould Protégé Prize celebrates young artists while acknowledging the important role of mentors in the arts, and intergenerational inspiration. D’Angelo’s innovative approach and fearless artistic spirit make her the perfect candidate.
“I am deeply honoured to receive the Glenn Gould Prize. Glenn was someone who challenged conventions and followed his own musical instincts wherever they led. But what makes this recognition truly special for me is the opportunity to share it with a remarkable young artist like Emily D’Angelo,” said Elton John in a statement. “One of the great privileges of having spent a lifetime in music is witnessing and championing young artists. Emily is brilliant, and I couldn’t be happier to share this honour with her.”
The Canadian mezzo-soprano will be performing live at The Glenn Gould Prize Gala honouring John on May 9 in Toronto, and will receive her prize at the event.
“Like countless millions, Elton John’s music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. To be recognized by one of the greatest recording and performing artists of all time is profoundly humbling and inspiring. Through his brilliance and individuality, Elton rose to the status of an absolute icon, reshaping the landscape of music and pop culture,” said Emily D’Angelo.
“Generations of artists have honed their voices by bearing witness to his vision and unceasing commitment to music. Elton is the epitome of cool: a testament to the possibility of transcending the individual by having the courage to be oneself. To be a part of this celebration is a gift. I will remain forever grateful, stunned, and honoured.”
Emily D’Angelo is a graduate of the University of Toronto, the Metropolitan Opera’s Lindemann Young Artist Program, the Canadian Opera Company’s Ensemble Studio, and the Ravinia Festival’s Steans Music Institute.
She made her professional operatic debut at age 21 as Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro at the Spoleto Festival dei Due Mondi.
Since then, alongside her performance career, she’s signed an exclusive recording contract with Deutsche Grammophon, and her solo recordings have won both a JUNO and Gramophone Award.
D’Angelo has performed on prominent stages across the globe, including recitals at Carnegie Hall, The Edinburgh International Festival, Madrid Tatros del Canal, the Ravinia Festival, Koerner Hall, and many more.
This season, she’s performed at London’s Royal Opera House in the title role of Handel’s Ariodante in a new production by Jetske Mijnssen, and returned to he role of Sesto in La clemenza di Tito at the Vienna State Opera. Emily made her concert debuts with the London Symphony Orchestra in Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius, and with the Philadelphia Orchestra in Leonard Bernstein’s Symphony No. 1 “Jeremiah”.
Other notable performances in 2025/26 include performing in Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” with the Real Orquesta Sinfónica de Sevilla, and Symphony No. 3 with the Orquesta Ciudad de Granada, along with engagements with the Danish Chamber Orchestra, at Salzburg Mozartwoche, and the Copenhagen Konservatoriets Koncertsal, among others.
The Glenn Gould Protégé Prize was established in 1993. It recognizes young creators who have demonstrated outstanding originality as well as artistry.
Along with the $25,000 CAD prize, the win includes a Glenn Gould Prize statue created by Canadian artist Ruth Abernethy.
Previous Protégé Prize winners include Cécile McLorin Salvant (bestowed by Laureate Jessye Norman), Gustavo Dudamel (bestowed by Laureate Jose Antonio Abreu) and Wu Man (bestowed by Laureate Yo Yo Ma).
Along with D’Angelo, performers at the May 9 Gala event include Diana Krall, The Beaches, Ron Sexsmith, Jeremy Dutcher, Ryan Wang and more.
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