Canary Yellow Canoe Tour
Gordon Lightfoot in Toronto
MASSEY HALL
178 Victoria St. (at Shuter St.)
Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T7
phone: (416) 872-4255
fax: (416) 363-5290
Massey Hall was built in 1893 by industrial baron Hart Massey. Desiring to build a memorial to his son, Charles Albert Massey, he engaged the services of architect Sidney Badgley to create an auditorium for cultivation of the arts in Toronto.
The completed building, located at Shuter and Victoria Streets in Toronto, opened its doors to the public in 1894. The first performance at Massey Hall featured Handel's Messiah.
Massey Hall rapidly became internationally famous as Toronto (and Canada's) most important venue for concerts and lectures by some of the world's leading celebrities. But, it has also been the site of weddings, movies, boxing matches, beauty contests, religious and political rallies, typing contests and chess tournaments!
The Hall has seating for 2,757 people, with two steep balconies in addition to the ground floor. Its magnificent acoustics make those sitting in the seats furthest away in the uppermost balcony feel as though they're next to the stage.
Each year, Massey Hall is host to more than 100 events, covering a full range of cultural and entertainment events...including the annual visit by Gordon Lightfoot!
Gordon Lightfoot began his series of annual concerts at Massey Hall in 1967, the the most solo appearances at the Hall of any performer.
In 1973, Massey Hall was declared a "heritage" building and it remains an important part of the culture and entertainment to be found in Toronto.
For more information about Massey Hall, you can visit the Massey Hall web site. Check out your seat for the concerts!
Suggested sites for additional information
The Wikipedia page about Massey Hall.
The The Encyclopedia of Music in Canada page detailing the history of Massey Hall and some notable performances of the past.
The Toronto.com website. A profile of Massey Hall and list of upcoming events.