We recently attended an intimate private unveiling of the new Deane Cameron Recording Studio at the Allied Music Centre in the heart of Toronto, hosted by Apple Music’s George Stromboloupolos, aka Strombo (with a special performance by akaMatisse). The Allied Music Centre (right across from Fran’s diner off Shuter and Victoria) is tucked away inside the upper floors of the iconic Massey Hall–which has been recently revitalized. A construction project many were looking forward to being complete, and might I say looks incredible.
Luckily for you, we got a closer look and we’re here to show it to you.
Here’s a first look at the new spaces inside the Allied Music Centre in downtown Toronto:
The Allied Music Centre is Canada’s new state-of-the-art non-profit cultural ecosystem, featuring the historic Massey Hall and 3 brand-new additional venues. They are all devoted to live music, artist development, community outreach, and educational programming.
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Allan Slaight Auditorium at Massey Hall
Introducing a fresh chapter of accessibility and convenience for attendees of concerts. The incorporation of expanded bars and restroom facilities catering to every section of the iconic Allan Slaight Auditorium will notably address several shortcomings previously experienced at Massey Hall.
Newly established pathways will also guide music enthusiasts through archival collections and displays, while the installation of elevators to the upper levels represents a milestone, enabling accessible seating across all tiers of the historic venue for the first time in its 126-year history.
Deane Cameron Recording Studio, powered by Mac
Located on the 7th floor of the Allied Music Centre, this newly completed Deane Cameron Recording Studio is strategically positioned to foster artistic growth. This versatile space serves multiple purposes: it functions as a classroom for music education, offering students hands-on experience with various instruments; as a rehearsal space for musicians preparing for performances at Massey Hall; and as a professionally equipped recording studio where artists can craft their next masterpiece. Creators will benefit from the acoustically treated environment and a range of resources available to support their artistic development. The panoramic views of the city skyline further enhance the inspirational atmosphere of the Studio.
Decked out in the latest and greatest Mac gear truly providing both the artists with the best tools to create with, and the guests a state-of-the-art listening experience. Prepare to be mesmerized by it, should you have the opportunity to check it out.
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TD Music Hall
Opened in February 2022, the new TD Music Hall fills a significant void in the cultural landscape. Situated on the 4th floor of the Allied Music Centre, it stands out as an exemplary contemporary concert venue. With a capacity for 500 attendees, the hall serves as a vital platform for emerging Canadian artists and a sought-after destination for international touring acts. It boasts state-of-the-art immersive audio technology, ensuring unparalleled sound quality, along with excellent sightlines and panoramic city views offered by its floor-to-ceiling windows. Moreover, the venue is equipped with direct recording capabilities, allowing for the preservation of pivotal musical moments. Toronto has yet to experience a venue of this calibre, both in terms of its auditory and visual appeal.
6th Floor Theatre
A recent addition to the Allied Music Centre’s array of performance spaces, may be the smallest among them, but its significance is anything but minor.
Designed as an elegant showcase room for up-and-coming artists, a venue for student recitals and community ensembles, and an ideal setting for panel discussions and artist interviews, the Theatre offers a diverse range of possibilities. Its retractable seating system adds to its versatility, enabling it to host educational workshops, interactive family programs, and more.
Despite its modest size, the Theatre remains both affordable and accessible, catering to grassroots community arts organizations and emerging artists alike. Additionally, its state-of-the-art recording and broadcast capabilities make it a valuable resource for professional endeavours. In a city where such venues are becoming increasingly scarce, the Theatre is poised to resonate deeply within the local arts community.
6th Floor Lounge
This Lounge is to serve as a haven for the music community. During the day, artists, their teams, and community arts organizations will come to cherish its welcoming ambiance, using it to strategize their future endeavours, conduct intimate media interviews in a relaxed private setting, or find inspiration for creative endeavours like crafting lyrics for their next hit song. Once night falls, the Lounge transforms into a gathering place for the music community, where members and devoted fans alike can unwind with a drink, engage in lively conversations, and enjoy the cityscape before the start of a show.
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Muskoka Spirits Basement Bar & Performance Space
Enhanced and upgraded in every aspect, the Muskoka Spirits Basement Bar has become the ultimate destination for gathering with friends before a major event, offering not only a vibrant social hub but also a captivating and intimate performance venue. Specifically designed for late-night concerts, it ensures that the festivities continue well after the main hall has closed its doors. The Basement Bar exudes sophistication, echoing the heritage design elements of Massey Hall while establishing its own contemporary identity as a connected listening space. Moreover, with bars and washrooms conveniently dispersed throughout the Allied Music Centre, one enduring heritage aspect is conspicuously absent: the long queues.
Recording & Broadcast Facilities
With every one of Allied Music Centre’s 4 performance venues wired for turn-key audio and video recording, connecting artists with their fans around the globe has never been easier. From simple archival audio recordings to live television broadcasts, demand for original content is increasing exponentially and finding opportunities to capture performances is becoming an increasingly vital key to an artist’s success. Nothing replaces the thrill of being at the concert, but celebrated recordings including 1953’s “Greatest Jazz Concert ever,” and 1971’s Neil Young Live at Massey Hall remind us that a live recording is the next best thing.
Offering support and community
For the very first time, there’s a new permanent home for the Education & Community Outreach program, now inside the Allied Music Centre.
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In the past, programming had to make do with less-than-ideal settings, such as tucked-away corners in busy bars, makeshift boardrooms, or rented spaces off-site. However, with the introduction of the Allied Music Centre, purpose-built spaces have been created specifically for learning and fostering connections.
The Theatre will serve as the venue for the Lullaby Project’s culmination, featuring recitals by participants who have written, rehearsed, and recorded personalized lullabies for their young children—all within the confines of the Allied Music Centre. Meanwhile, the Studio will bring together students of all ages for immersive, hands-on workshops.
While these highly utilized spaces will play a crucial role in enriching the lives of music enthusiasts, every resource and area within the Allied Music Centre—from the Instrument Library to Massey Hall itself—has been meticulously planned to offer opportunities for those seeking to expand their musical horizons. Let the journey of learning commence!
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Artist development
One of the core principles underlying Massey Hall’s charitable status is its dedication to nurturing Canadian talent, a commitment that is vividly exemplified through its Artist Development program. This program is geared towards assisting artists at various stages of their careers by providing strategic investments and support systems aimed at expanding their audiences and fostering their creative endeavours. Within the Allied Music Centre’s four performance venues and dedicated facilities for writing, rehearsal, recording, and more, the Artist Development program has access to a comprehensive toolkit.
A personalized and holistic approach is employed for each artist, tailored to their specific needs and aspirations. This approach facilitates their progression through the venue hierarchy, starting from the intimate setting of the 6th Floor Theatre and culminating in the fulfillment of their aspirations to grace the Allan Slaight Stage for their debut performance at Massey Hall.
Opportunities abound within the walls of the Allied Music Centre, serving as a nurturing and supportive environment akin to a second home for artists.
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Support
The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall operates as a charitable, not-for-profit organization, relying on the generous support of individuals, corporations, and foundations. These contributions are instrumental in sustaining various initiatives, including Education & Community Outreach programs, Artist Development endeavours, and the ongoing revitalization efforts for Massey Hall.
Donations help secure the future of one of the world’s most prestigious sites for live music, right here in the heart of Toronto, its community, and artists.
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All photos courtesy of the Allied Music Centre / KPMB Architects, unless otherwise noted.
