When philanthropists Florence Man and Bernard Sze first set up scholarships at GGS, they knew that the impact of their giving would change the lives of each recipient. What they didn’t know is that the experience would inspire them to seek out additional opportunities to make even more of a difference.
In addition to providing two full-tuition scholarships, this year, Ms. Man and Mr. Sze substantially increased their support with a $400,000 commitment that includes upgrades to the Percussion Studio and the purchase of new percussion instruments. Their generosity will have an impact on many students for years to come.
“This new gift is absolutely transformative,” said Dean James Anagnoson. “We have such talented percussion students at GGS, but we have never had the kind of instruments that would enable them to explore different sonorities, and discover colours and nuances that are the musical fabric of inspired performances. Florence and Bernard heard about the situation and gave us sufficient funds to purchase the finest instruments available, and the impact on our percussion students was immediate and exhilarating! And it all started with that unique relationship between donors and their scholarship recipients. The passion and dedication of our students is undeniable, and when donors make that personal connection, they feel inspired to do more.”
A generous portion of their gift also went to supporting the organization’s highest priorities. The RCM was honoured to name the Percussion Studio and the Piano Technology Workshop with glass plaques incorporated into the room signage, as well as a custom stainless-steel plaque inside the Percussion Studio.
Ms. Man and Mr. Sze requested that the plaque bearing their name outside the Percussion Studio also mentions that they were “inspired by L.E.,” their scholarship student.
The Glenn Gould School is grateful for this exceptional support that addresses an immediate need and will keep our facilities at the level we have come to expect at GGS.