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.
