Noteworthy

For Blake Goldring, supporting the Toronto Symphony Orchestra has never just been about attending concerts. A pianist himself, he understands the discipline and long hours of practice required, and the moments of vulnerability every musician faces on stage. His connection with the TSO began in 1986 and deepened during his time on the Board of Directors from 2010 to 2016, and the passion that drew him to the orchestra decades ago remains alive today. Blake’s reflections are captured in more than 20 pages of meticulously kept notes, capturing decades of encounters with some of the world’s most remarkable artists. These are stories not just of music, but of moments—including shared meals, casual conversations, and even basketball games—that reveal the humanity behind the virtuosity. 

Manny Ax: Music, Mastery & the Raptors 

The first artist Blake welcomed in the 2013/14 season was Emanuel “Manny” Ax, a pianist whose reputation precedes him. Their initial meeting, however, was unconventional. Blake arranged for Manny to join him courtside at a Toronto Raptors game against the Miami Heat. It was a delicate operation that required negotiating access to the Governors’ Lounge, coordinating schedules, and navigating unexpected mix-ups with guest lists. But when the two finally met, Manny’s warmth and charm were unmistakable. Though he is known for his relentless dedication to the piano, practising for hours every day, Manny, Blake notes, delighted in the game, sharing insights about tennis, discussing his favourite players, and laughing easily at the pace and spectacle of professional basketball. By the end of the night, Manny had even tweeted Blake a thank you! Blake's first-ever Twitter mention captured the joy of an experience that blended mentorship, camaraderie, and pure fun. The following evening, Manny’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Afterward, Blake and friends joined him for drinks—a rare opportunity to hear first-hand the thoughts of a world-renowned artist. Manny spoke candidly about the challenges of performing Brahms’s Second Piano Concerto, the joy of teaching master classes, and the satisfaction of collaborating with friends like Yo-Yo Ma. For Blake, these intimate moments, far from the formalities of traditional donor dinners, illustrated the true impact of his support: providing artists with meaningful human connection. 

Jan Lisiecki: Youthful Brilliance & Human Curiosity 

In the following season, 2014/15, Blake welcomed Jan Lisiecki, the prodigious young pianist, to the TSO stage. At just 19, Jan performed Beethoven’s “Emperor” Concerto with poise and maturity that belied his age. Behind the performance, Blake observed the quiet focus that has always defined exceptional musicians. After the concert, Blake hosted Jan, his mother, and conductor Thomas Dausgaard for a relaxed dinner, where conversation flowed—from the subtleties of concert hall acoustics to the quirks of international audiences. Jan spoke with insight and humility, reflecting on how different cultures respond to music, and noting the unique energy of a silent, attentive hall. Later, Blake invited Jan to a Raptors game. The experience was a revelation. Here was a young artist, accustomed to the rigours of international touring, revelling in something completely unstructured during a night of shared excitement and playful conversation. Blake recalls Jan giving him a handwritten note of thanks the next day, along with a small gift from Japan—a hand towel decorated with a piano. These moments, simple yet profound, embody the philosophy Blake has embraced for decades: that philanthropy should prioritize connection and mutual enrichment, not just patronage. 

Sir Andrew Davis: Wisdom & Insight 

Blake’s encounters with legendary figures like late TSO Conductor Laureate Sir Andrew Davis offered another dimension of engagement. After a 2016 concert featuring music by Elgar, R. Strauss, Janáček, and Ives, Blake was invited backstage to meet the maestro. He found Sir Andrew slightly dishevelled after conducting, yet radiating warmth and humility. They spoke about repertoire, musical interpretation, and the subtle decisions a conductor makes to shape a performance—insights rarely accessible to the general public. Through such conversations, Blake gained a deeper appreciation for the intricate collaboration between conductor and orchestra. These experiences were more than casual meet-and-greets; they were lessons in artistry, leadership, and dedication, illustrating the ripple effect that donors can have in supporting excellence in the performing arts. 

Gustavo Gimeno: Continuing the Courtside Tradition 

More recently, Blake took TSO Music Director Gustavo Gimeno to a Raptors game, continuing his tradition of connecting artists with relaxed, enjoyable experiences beyond the concert hall. Just as with Manny Ax and Jan Lisiecki, the outing offered an opportunity for laughter, conversation, and human connection, reminding both donor and artist that the support of the TSO extends far beyond the music itself. These moments foster trust, joy, and mutual respect, enriching the lives of both patrons and musicians. 

The Heart of Patronage 

For Blake, supporting musicians is an active, engaged experience. Whether courtside at a basketball game, sharing a post-concert meal, or discussing the intricacies of a piano concerto or orchestral score, these moments strengthen both personal and artistic bonds. The impact of this engagement is tangible. Artists feel supported not only financially, but also emotionally and socially. Donors experience the exhilaration of witnessing artistry first-hand and contributing to the flourishing of extraordinary talent. Blake and his wife, Belinda, continue to sponsor remarkable musicians such as Lukáš Vondráček, ensuring that the TSO remains a vibrant centre of musical excellence. Through decades of notes, reflections, and stories, Blake Goldring demonstrates that listening with purpose—truly listening, both to music and to the people who make it—transforms philanthropy into something deeply personal, joyful, and enduring. 

Lukáš Vondráček’s appearance is generously made possible by Blake and Belinda Goldring.