Elton John to be celebrated at Glenn Gould Prize Gala in Toronto in May

Elton John arrives on the red carpet for the premiere of 'Elton John: Never Too Late' at Roy Thomson Hall, during the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday, Sept. 6, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston

TORONTO — Elton John will be feted at the Glenn Gould Prize Gala in Toronto in May.

The celebration will include performances by an all-Canadian lineup, including Diana Krall, The Beaches, Ron Sexsmith and Jeremy Dutcher.

The Glenn Gould Foundation announced a year ago that John would be the 15th Glenn Gould Laureate, an honour that comes with a $100,000 award.

The biennial prize goes to an artist whose work demonstrates excellence and has been influential in their discipline or the broader culture.

The laureate also chooses a protege, who receives $25,000, and John’s is to be announced later this month.

The ceremony is set for May 9 at The Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.

Tickets go on pre-sale Tuesday, and will be available to the general public on Thursday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 9, 2026.

Nicole Thompson, The Canadian Press