In a surprising announcement today, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) and The Polaris Music Prize will partner to present performances with Short List nominees at the Polaris Gala, taking place September 21 at The Carlu in Toronto. The winner will bet awarded a $50,000 grand prize and given the opportunity to perform with the TSO at a concert at Roy Thomson Hall in 2016.

While popular music collaborations have been part of symphony pops concert for decades, this is the first time the orchestra has teamed up with a major Canadian music awards organisation.

According to Steve Jordan, Executive Director, Polaris Music Prize, the deal was originally born after Jeff Melanson, President and CEO, TSO said in an interview that he was interested in collaborating with Polaris Music Prize. Jordan heard the interview and sent a Tweet to Melanson, saying, “We should talk”.

What makes the partnership unique for the Polaris Music Prize is that this represents a truly musical collaboration rather that a more tradition corporate relationship.

“The idea of artistic collaboration is very dear to us, and we’re anticipating some musically thrilling results,” Steve Jordan said.

“We’re delighted to work with like-minded, innovative arts institutions to showcase the valuable role music plays in our cultural well-being, and the diversity of this year’s Short List provides an exciting backdrop for this powerful and worthwhile conversation,” Jeff Melanson said.

The upcoming Polaris Gala will be hosted by Fred Penner, and include performers Alvvays, Braids, Jennifer Castle, Tobias Jesso Jr., Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Viet Cong.

Past winners include Tanya Tagaq (2014), Godspeed You! Black Emperor (2013), Feist (2012), Arcade Fire (2011), Karkwa (2010), Fucked Up (2009), Caribou (2008), Patrick Watson (2007), and Final Fantasy / Owen Pallett (2006).

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Michael Vincent

Michael Vincent is the Editor-in-chief Ludwig Van and CEO of Museland Media. He publishes regularly and writes occasionally. A specialist in digital media for over 15 years, he has worked as a senior editor and is a former freelance classical music critic for the Toronto Star. Michael holds a Doctorate in Music from the University of Toronto.

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