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The Conservatory Circle

The Conservatory Circle

Curated Events and Enriching Experiences 

Enjoy exclusive access to the music you love

The Conservatory Circle is an exclusive donor group which introduces its members to some of today’s most celebrated performers and those at the forefront of the music scene through a series of carefully curated events. The Conservatory Circle offers insight into musicianship and the thinking behind the playing. It explores all genres of music and is sure to deepen your appreciation and enjoyment in meaningful ways.

As a member of The Conservatory Circle, you will experience all of this while socializing with friends and fellow visionary patrons committed to The Royal Conservatory’s mission.

Your membership supports The Royal Conservatory’s wide range of impactful programs

Your membership in The Conservatory Circle helps us to deliver the Conservatory’s renowned method of music study to millions, develop the great artists of tomorrow at The Glenn Gould School and Taylor Academy, present today’s leading artists in magnificent Koerner Hall, and provide transformative arts-based programs in communities across the country.

For more information, please contact the  Conservatory Circle Manager. 

 

Mervon Mehta and John Pizzarelli

Adrianne Pieczonka

Mervon Mehta and John Pizzarelli

Heather Bambrick

Brainerd Blyden-Taylor

Jim Anagnoson and Barry Shiffman

Mayumi Seiler

Become a member today 

 In recognition of your gift through The Conservatory Circle, you are invited to enjoy the following core membership benefits: 

  • Invitations to a minimum of four exclusive events that feature cocktail receptions followed by inspiring talks and performances by today’s leading talents 
  • Invitation to The Royal Conservatory’s annual Concert Season Launch Announcement  
  • Access to The Royal Conservatory concert tickets before they go on sale to the public   
  • Two complimentary tickets to The Glenn Gould School Spring Opera  
  • Two complimentary tickets to a Royal Conservatory Orchestra concert    
  • Two complimentary tickets to the dessert reception and performance portion of the “Royal Occasion” event in Koerner Hall   
  • Invitations to select master classes   
  • A 10% discount on group classes and music appreciation courses   
  • Acknowledgement in donor listings, including Koerner Hall concert programs   
  • A charitable tax receipt for the maximum allowable amount according to CRA guidelines   

We are grateful to our volunteer Committee for their hard work, generosity, and dedication to supporting The Royal Conservatory: 

Heather Jessiman, Chair  
Glenn Smith
Susan Rose 

 

Thursday, October 23, 2025 | A Prelude to Greatness: Celebrating Oscar Peterson’s 100th Birthday

In advance of the Conservatory’s celebration of RCM alumnus Oscar Peterson’s 100th birthday with two extraordinary concerts in Koerner Hall, you are invited to a special prelude presentation honouring the remarkable legacy of a jazz legend, cultural icon, and one of Canada’s most celebrated musical figures. This inspiring event will feature conversations and reflections on Mr. Peterson’s influence on the Canadian arts scene, his long-standing relationship with The Royal Conservatory, and how his musical genius continues to shape generations of performers.   

Special Guests  

  • Kelly Peterson, Author and Advocate for Oscar Peterson’s Legacy  
  • John Clayton, Bassist, Composer & Arranger  
  • Jeff Hamilton, Drummer, Band Leader and former Peterson band member
  • Mervon Mehta, Executive Director, Performing Arts, The Royal Conservatory
Kelly Peterson, John Clayton, Jeff Hamilton, Mervon Mehta

Tuesday, November 25, 2025 | The ARC Ensemble: Music Reclaimed

The Royal Conservatory celebrates the launch of the ninth album in the ARC Ensemble’s ground-breaking “Music in Exile” series for Chandos Records. Devoted to premieres by the forgotten Jewish composer Ernest Kanitz, who fled Vienna with the Nazi takeover in 1938, the recording is generously sponsored by the Gerald Sheff and Shanitha Kachan Family Foundation.   

The always engaging Dr. David Goldbloom and ARC’s Artistic Director Simon Wynberg will consider the challenges that Kanitz confronted on arriving in America, and ARC's burgeoning success in reviving lost repertoire. Kanitz’s extraordinary music will be performed by members of the ARC Ensemble and the brilliant young violinist Anna Štube, who makes her recording debut with this release.

Dr David Goldbloom, Simon Wynberg, Anna Štube

Tuesday, February 24, 2026 | Sound Judgment: Music, Originalism & Constitutional Law

What do a musical score and a constitutional document have in common? This thought-provoking discussion brings together acclaimed pianist, Jonathan Biss and legal scholar, Dr. Hamish Stewart to explore the parallels between musical interpretation and legal originalism. The event offers fresh perspectives on how both artists and jurists engage with texts from the past, revealing deep insights into the nature of meaning and authority.  

Special Guests  

  • Jonathan Biss, Faculty, The Glenn Gould School 
  • Dr. Hamish Stewart, Professor of Law, University of Toronto
Jonathan Biss, Dr. Hamish Stewart

Tuesday, April 7, 2026 | National Arts at a Crossroads: The Evolving Landscape  

Join prominent arts leaders for an insightful conversation about the present and future of national arts programs across North America. Drawing on decades of leadership experience, our distinguished speakers will address shared challenges and opportunities in the performing arts, including public policy, diversity initiatives, institutional resilience, and the post-pandemic cultural environment.  

Special Guests  

  • Deborah Rutter, Vice-Provost of the Arts, Duke University
  • Christopher Deacon, President & CEO, National Arts Centre 
  • Alexander Brose, Micheal and Sonja Koerner President & CEO, The Royal Conservatory 
Deborah Rutte, Christopher Deacon, Alexander Brose
Read our Frequently Asked Questions. 

Please note:

  • Complimentary tickets to RCO / GGS Opera, Master Classes, and the performance portion of the Royal Occasion are subject to availability and offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • Conservatory Circle member privileges are extended to one donor household (maximum two people) or to a donor and their guest (maximum two people) for one full calendar year from the date of their gift.
  • Event invitations are non-transferable. We welcome guests of members, subject to capacity and advance registration.
  • Your Conservatory Circle membership includes annual benefits and advantages, the value of which must be deducted from your gift to determine the eligible amount. Accordingly, and in line with Canada Revenue Agency regulations, your receipt reflects a nominal deduction.
  • *Subject to availability of musicians. Within the Greater Toronto Area only.