Ontario Invests in Inaugural Promise of Music Festival, Honouring Glenn Gould’s Legacy
TORONTO, ON — Ontario is investing $635,000 to support the Promise of Music Festival, the first global congress dedicated to exploring the social impact of music. Presented by the Glenn Gould Foundation, the festival will take place across the Greater Toronto Area from October 6 to 10, 2025, welcoming performers, educators, and cultural leaders from around the world.
The investment is part of the province’s commitment to strengthening Ontario’s tourism and cultural sectors, ensuring that the province continues to be recognized as a global destination for arts and culture.
A World-Class Celebration of Music and Impact
“The Promise of Music is a groundbreaking celebration of artistic excellence, honouring Canadian Glenn Gould’s legacy by showcasing the profound impact of the arts on individuals and communities,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “By supporting this world-class event, Ontario is protecting and supporting our dynamic tourism sector, connecting our province to the world and bringing people together through music.”
The Promise of Music is a groundbreaking celebration honouring Glenn Gould’s legacy and showcasing music’s power to unite communities.
That’s why we are investing $635K to support this event, welcoming 50,000 guests from 20+ countries and boosting our tourism sector. 🎶🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/C6wVIYYOzz
— Stan Cho (@StanChoMPP) October 3, 2025
The week-long festival will bring together musicians, thought leaders, artists, and educators from more than 20 countries. With more than 50,000 guests expected, the event will feature performances, film screenings, workshops, and public discussions centered on the transformative power of music and music education.
Sir Elton John to Receive Glenn Gould Prize
A highlight of the festival will be the presentation of the 15th Glenn Gould Prize to Sir Elton John, in recognition of his contributions to music worldwide as well as his commitment to humanitarianism and social advocacy.
Brian Levine, CEO of the Glenn Gould Foundation, thanked the province for its investment: “This recognition underscores the vital role music plays in shaping healthier, more inclusive, and more resilient communities across our province, Canada and around the globe.”
Ontario’s Broader Support for Tourism and Culture
In 2024-25, Ontario invested nearly $200 million in the tourism sector, including more than $27 million to support over 250 festivals and events. The Promise of Music Festival builds on this momentum, attracting global attention to Ontario’s cultural scene and honouring the legacy of pianist and composer Glenn Gould.
For more information about the festival, visit www.promiseofmusic.com.
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