June 14, 1894: Massey Hall opens its doors
Legendary concert hall has hosted many dignitaries and famous musicians
For more than a century, Massey Hall has been a mecca for music aficionados and a vital institution in Toronto’s cultural and entertainment scene.
In 1892, industrialist Hart Massey, born in Haldimand Township, Ont., purchased land at Shuter and Victoria Sts. and hired architect Sidney R. Badgley to design a memorial for his son Charles Albert Massey, who died of typhoid in 1884.
Massey presented the building as a gift to Torontonians, hoping the venue would promote the arts in the city and would be “spacious, substantial and comfortable, where public meetings, conventions, musical and other entertainments, etc., could be given,” according to its website.
The building, inaugurated on June 14, 1894, has hosted many dignitaries including the future King George V and Queen Mary, who visited with prime minister Wilfrid Laurier in 1901.
It was the home of both the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir until the opening of Roy Thomson Hall in 1982.
Famous artists who have performed there include George Gershwin, Igor Stravinsky, Glenn Gould, jazz performers such as Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie, Luciano Pavarotti, Maria Callas, Bob Dylan and Gordon Lightfoot.
Neil Young’s 1971 performance was released as a live album, Live at Massey Hall.
In December 2011, tickets for Justin Bieber’s surprise Christmas concert at Massey Hall sold out in 30 minutes.
Big changes are in store: a deal with MOD Developments, builders of the Massey Condos planned for 197 Yonge St., has provided the cash for the biggest renovations in its history.