In 1921, the University of Toronto took over ownership and operation of the Toronto Conservatory and its library collection became the basis for the present-day Music Library. In celebration of our 100-year anniversary, we hosted a hybrid in-person and virtual open house on December 3 from 1 to 3 pm.
On this page:
- Watch a recording of the event.
- Program
- Exhibits on display at the library
- Call for remembrances
Did you miss it? Watch it here.
Program
12:45 – 1:00
Musical prelude – Jialiang Zhu, piano and Andrew Ascenzo, cello
Selections from:
- Gabriel Fauré – Apres Un Reve
- Edward Elgar – Salut D’Amour
- Sergei Rachmaninov – Vocalise
- Felix Mendelssohn – Song Without Words, Op. 109 (arr. Cello/piano)
- Alexander Borodin – String Quartet No. 2, II: Nocturne (arr. Cello/piano)
- Frederic Chopin – Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2 in E-flat Major (arr. Cello/piano)
- J.S. Bach – Sonata in G Major, BWV 1027
1:00 – 1:20
Land acknowledgement, welcome, and introductory remarks, Jan Guise, Director of the Music Library
Opening remarks from:
- Larry Alford, Chief Librarian, University of Toronto Libraries
- Ellie Hisama, Dean of the Faculty of Music
- Steven Vande Moortele, Chair of Library Advisory committee
- Alexis Millares Thomson, MGSA President
1:20 – 1:30
History of the Music Library, Jan Guise, Director of the Music Library
1:30 – 1:40
Musical interlude – Jialiang Zhu, piano and Andrew Ascenzo, cello
- Robert Schumann – Fantasy Pieces (Fantasiestucke), Op. 73
1:40 – 2:00
Stephen Clarke, donor to the Music Library, Stratton-Clarke collection
2:00 – 3:00
Musical postlude - Jialiang Zhu, piano and Andrew Ascenzo, cello
Selections from:
- Gabriel Fauré – Apres Un Reve
- Edward Elgar – Salut D’Amour
- Sergei Rachmaninov – Vocalise
- Felix Mendelssohn – Song Without Words, Op. 109 (arr. Cello/piano)
- Alexander Borodin – String Quartet No. 2, II: Nocturne (arr. Cello/piano)
- Frederic Chopin – Nocturne, Op. 9, No. 2 in E-flat Major (arr. Cello/piano)
- J.S. Bach – Sonata in G Major, BWV 1027
Social 'hour':
- Remembrances from current and former faculty, students, staff
- Explore our exhibits
- Explore the library
- Read about the Music Library in the Ontario Library Association's magazine, Open Shelf, series "Becoming the University of Toronto Music Library."
- Explore our selections for "100 years at the Music Library" showcased on our Instagram and Facebook throughout the year.
Cookies (Grodzinski Bakery) provide by University of Toronto Libraries.
Exhibits
100 years at the Music Library: Over the past year, current and former staff at the Music Library have selected 100 items from our collection, featured on our Instagram and Facebook. You can also see our selections on our blog. A sample of these items are currently on display at the Music Library, in the exhibit cases by the entrance to the library.
Gems from our Rare Book Collection: On December 3, the door to the Olnick Reading Room will be open! Come check out some gems from our rare book collection in the display case inside.
UofT on LP: The U of T community has been active in the performing arts since its inception. The LP collection held by the Music Library is a testament to that. Take a look (and listen) to some gems that demonstrate the rich history of our faculty and university. LPs on display in exhibit case by the entrance to the library.
Polyphony: Diversity in Music: A collaborative online exhibit created in 2020-2021 in collaboration with members of the Faculty of Music Anti-Racism Alliance (FoMARA), Polyphony fosters dialogue with BIPOC/racialized musicians, highlighting these individuals' voices alongside the works and people who inspire them. The online exhibit features interviews with 9 musicians and music scholars. In the lobby of the Edward Johnson Building, you can also see some of their recommendations, including scores, books, and recordings, all available at the Music Library.
Faculty of Music Alumni: In celebration of our more than 7,500 illustrious alumni at the Faculty of Music, the Music Library has a display of music, books, and recordings by alumni, all available through the Music Library. Check out the display in the Music Library, listen to the Naxos playlist, and explore some alumni highlights on our blog.
Call for remembrances
If our Open House recalled some great memories to your mind, we'd love to hear from you! To participate you can:
- Send a short video message or email about a favourite item in our collection, or a remembrance of time spent at the library. Videos should be 3 min. or less. Emails, max. 300 words. Submissions can be emailed to our archivist Rebecca Shaw (r.shaw@utoronto.ca).
- Take a photo with your favourite book, score, recording, etc. at the library. Make sure to tag us @UofTMusicLib.