Canadian mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo has been named the recipient of the Glenn Gould Protégé Prize, selected by this year’s laureate, Elton John, the Glenn Gould Foundation has announced.
The Protégé Prize, awarded as part of the Glenn Gould Prize, recognises a young artist whose work shows exceptional promise and the potential for a lasting impact through the arts. Each laureate personally chooses the recipient, highlighting a relationship of artistic inspiration across generations.
D’Angelo, who has emerged as one of the most prominent voices of her generation, made her professional debut at the age of 21 as Cherubino in Le nozze di Figaro at the Spoleto Festival dei Due Mondi. She has since appeared at leading opera houses worldwide and, following the release of her second album Freezing on Deutsche Grammophon, was named Female Singer of the Year at the 2025 Opus Klassik awards.
Announcing his choice, Elton John said: “What makes this recognition truly special for me is the opportunity to share it with a remarkable young artist like Emily D’Angelo. 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.”
Elton John was named the 15th laureate of the Glenn Gould Prize in recognition of his artistic career and humanitarian work. Presented biennially by the Glenn Gould Foundation, the prize honours individuals whose contributions have enriched the human condition through the arts and related fields. The laureate receives a cash award of $100,000 and selects the Protégé Prize recipient, who is awarded $25,000 and a sculpture by Canadian artist Ruth Abernethy.
The 15th Glenn Gould Prize Gala will take place on 9 May 2026 at the Theatre at Great Canadian Toronto. The event will celebrate Elton John’s career and philanthropic impact, and will feature performances by an all-Canadian line-up including Diana Krall, Jeremy Dutcher, Ron Sexsmith, Emily D’Angelo, and pianist Ryan Wang, among others.
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