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The Slaight Family Foundation donates $10 million to the Massey Hall Revitalization

Massey Hall - Music venue

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November 2, 2020

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The Slaight Family Foundation donates $10 million to the Massey Hall Revitalization. In celebration of this generous contribution, Massey Hall’s auditorium will be named in honour of The Slaight Family Foundation founder, Allan Slaight who has been a consummate supporter of the arts and a pillar of the philanthropic sector in Canada.

“Our family is pleased to know that our father’s legacy will be celebrated in this storied hall where so much musical history has been made and that our donation will have a powerful impact for the future of music in Canada.” – Gary Slaight, President and CEO, The Slaight Family Foundation.

The Slaight Family Foundation have been steadfast champions of the Massey Hall Revitalization since its inception with their 2017 lead donation of $5 million. In appreciation of this early support, the iconic Massey Hall stage was named The Allan Slaight Stage and a hand carved plaque was commissioned and displayed in the Massey Hall lobby.

Today’s announcement marks an additional $5 million dollars towards the project, thus totalling $10 million. This unwavering support ensures that Massey Hall will continue to be the crown jewel of Canada’s live music scene and allow future generations of music fans and artists to celebrate for another century and beyond.

“This incredible gift serves as a beacon of hope amid challenging times for the live music community, ensuring Canada’s most iconic concert hall will continue hosting defining moments in our culture for generations to come. We are profoundly grateful for The Slaight Family Foundation’s generosity and proud to honour a true Canadian broadcast legend.” – Jesse Kumagai, President and CEO, The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall.

ABOUT THE SLAIGHT FAMILY FOUNDATION:

The Slaight Family Foundation was established in 2008 by John Allan Slaight. Allan Slaight is known as Canada’s broadcast pioneer, music leader and a prominent Canadian philanthropist. Through his generosity, the Foundation proactively supports charitable initiatives in the areas of healthcare, at-risk youth, international development, social services and culture. The Slaight Family Foundation is overseen by Allan’s son Gary.

ABOUT THE MASSEY HALL REVITALIZATION PROJECT: 

Massey Hall is currently undergoing the most significant renovation in its 126-year history. This Revitalization Project will protect and celebrate Massey Hall’s heritage and propel its magnificent legacy for artists and fans for another century and beyond. The project will restore and renew both the interior and exterior of this National Historic Site, improve patron amenities and accessibility, open two new music venues, expand the scope of the artist development and education and outreach initiatives, and see the return of the original, 126 year-old stained glass windows. For more information, visit masseyhall.com.

ABOUT THE CORPORATION OF MASSEY HALL & ROY THOMSON HALL: 

The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall is a not-for-profit charitable organization operating two of Canada’s premier concert halls. Showcasing the world’s greatest performers in all disciplines, the two halls are also prominent venues for diverse activities in the business and entertainment district of downtown Toronto. The Corporation’s mission is to provide an internationally renowned entertainment centre to host the world’s top performers and events; to provide public space for the cultural and corporate communities of the Greater Toronto Area; to support the development of Canadian talent; to increase and enhance its worldwide profile as a leader in the arts community through its professionalism and programming.