The Glenn Gould Prize is an international award bestowed by the Glenn Gould Foundation in memory of Canadianpianist Glenn Gould. It is awarded every second year to a living individual for contributions that have enriched the human condition through the arts. Prior to 2011 it had been awarded every third year. Prize laureates receive an award of C$100,000. Since 1993, they are also given the responsibility of naming the recipient of The Glenn Gould Protégé Prize. Protégés receive C$15,000, and both winners and protégés receive a small bronze sculpture of Glenn Gould made by Canadian sculptor Ruth Abernethy. A portrait of each laureate is also displayed in Toronto at the Glenn Gould Studio of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The Prize jury changes for each award, and typically consists of renowned artists, arts professionals and patrons representing various disciplines from around the world. The prize is funded by The Glenn Gould Prize Fund, which was established through the courtesy of Floyd S. Chalmers, with contributions by numerous administrations and foundations, including the Government of Canada. The main provider was the Canada Council, and since 2000 it has been the foundation itself. The Glenn Gould Prize is presented to the laureates and protégés in a series of celebratory events that reflect the artistic, social, humanitarian and educational impact of the particular laureate, and embody the goals of the Prize:"Celebration, Inspiration, Transformation." The Twelfth and most recent laureate of the Glenn Gould Prize is soprano, activist and humanitarian Jessye Norman. Jury celebrations took place at Koerner Hall, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in April, 2018. The winner of The Glenn Gould Protégé Prize is American jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant. The Twelfth Glenn Gould Prize presentation was made on February 20, 2019 at the Four Seasons Centre, featuring the Orchestra of the Canadian Opera Company, a host of international guest artists and conductors, and Prize Jury Chair Viggo Mortensen. The Prize concert was the culmination of 12 days of educational, cultural and socially significant events honoring Ms. Norman during Black History Month.
