In the lower level of Massey Hall you’ll find ‘Centuries,’ a fully-stocked bar you can visit pre-show and at intermission of most performances. The room is filled with artefacts illustrating the admirable history of Massey Hall, perhaps most notably the “Decade Panels” that line the entrance corridor to ‘Centuries.’ Starting with 1894-1904, a panel is present for each decade since Massey Hall opened. The panels feature news articles, photographs, programmes and other paraphernalia that aim to give a slice of life at Massey Hall from that period in history. In this column, we look at each decade and highlight some of the items included in these panels. Of course, for a more in-depth look, next time you’re at Massey for a show, head on over to ‘Centuries’ and check them out. This week, we take a look at 1954 – 1963, the seventh in a series of eleven tributes to Massey Hall’s glorious history.
Massey Hall 1954 – 1963
It would appear, from this decade panel, that there was quite a variety of musical genres to choose from at Massey Hall during the late 50s and early 60s. Classical music still had its home at Massey Hall: The Toronto Mendelssohn Choir continued to perform here as did the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, for whom a free Sunday concert is advertised with guests The Buffalo Bills Barbershop Quartet.
Glenn Gould returned to Massey Hall for a sold out performance, and visiting orchestras the Berlin Philharmonic, The Orchestra of Amsterdam, and the Vienna Philharmonic each making appearances on our stage.
Jazz and blues continued to bring people to Massey Hall as is evidenced in an article with the title “‘Cats Dig’ Basie’s Blues Jazz Packs Massey Hall.” Meanwhile an article reviewing a performance by the “Queen of the Gospel Singers,” Mahalia Jackson declares, “Jackson, who steadfastly refused to become a jazz-singer, could give a few lessons to the rock-and-roll set and the sweet swing crowd. A number of those who attended the recital were jazz devotees and they didn’t come away disappointed.”
Although many of us immediately think of Julie Andrews as the original Maria from the Sound of Music, it was Mary Martin who originated the role and she visited Massey Hall for “One Night Only! IN PERSON.” Gracie Fields and Dave Brubeck also performed here during this decade.
The Weavers graced the stage to “air-condition [the] hall with folk songs.” If you think you don’t know The Weavers, you’re probably wrong: their first big hit in 1950 with the now classic “Goodnight Irene” changed the landscape of popular music forever. According to the Vocal Group Hall of Fame Foundation, they “managed to alter popular culture in about as profound a manner as any artist this side of Bob Dylan… [B]ridging the gap between folk and pop music, and the topical song, they helped set the stage for Dylan’s eventual emergence.” Other hits they recorded include “Kisses Sweeter Than Wine,” “Wimoweh,” and “On Top of Old Smoky.” In 2006 The Weavers won a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Stefania Paterak is the Programming Coordinator for Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall.
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