Emily D’Angelo Recipient of 2026 Glenn Gould Protégé Prize
By Afton Markay(Photo credit: Victoria Nazarova)
The Glenn Gould Foundation has announced that Elton John, Laureate of The 15th Glenn Gould Prize has selected mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo as the recipient of the Glenn Gould Protégé Prize.
D’Angelo made her professional operatic debut at age 21 as Cherubino in “Le nozze di Figaro” at the Spoleto Festival dei Due Mondi. In recent seasons, D’Angelo has made a series of major debuts across the international opera world, including performances with the Metropolitan Opera, Berlin State Opera, Teatro alla Scala, Paris Opera, and the Bayerische Staatsoper. In 2024, she opened the Metropolitan Opera’s season starring as Jess in composer Jeanine Tesori’s opera “Grounded.” Her debut album “energeia” received both Juno Awards and Gramophone Awards honours, and she was named the 2025 recipient of the prestigious “Singer of the Year” award from Opus Klassik.
Glenn Gould Protégé Prize recipients are chosen for their exceptional creativity, vision, and artistry, reflecting the innovative spirit associated with the young Glenn Gould. Through this mentorship tradition, the Glenn Gould Prize program highlights the vital role of inspiration and encouragement between generations of artists, celebrating emerging talent while fostering future contributions to human expression and creativity. The award includes a $25,000 cash prize and the Glenn Gould Prize statue created by Canadian artist Ruth Abernethy.
“I am deeply honored to receive the Glenn Gould Prize. Glenn was someone who challenged conventions and followed his own musical instincts wherever they led. But what makes this recognition truly special for me is the opportunity to share it with a remarkable young artist like Emily D’Angelo,” said Elton John in a press release. “One of the great privileges of having spent a lifetime in music is witnessing and championing young artists. Emily is brilliant, and I couldn’t be happier to share this honour with her.”
The Glenn Gould Foundation honors the legacy of Canadian pianist Glenn Gould, the prize is awarded biennially and includes a CDN$100,000 cash award for the Laureate, who personally selects an exceptional young artist of any nationality and from any artistic discipline to receive the CDN$25,000 Glenn Gould Protégé Prize. Previous Protégé Prize winners include Cécile McLorin Salvant (bestowed by Laureate Jessye Norman), Gustavo Dudamel (bestowed by Laureate Jose Antonio Abreu) and Wu Man (bestowed by Laureate Yo Yo Ma).
D’Angelo will receive her prize at The Glenn Gould Prize Gala honouring Elton John on May 9 at The Theatre at Great Canadian Toronto. She will also give a performance at this event.
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