The Guitar Society of Toronto, founded in 1956 is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the classical guitar. The first concert was given by Jose Rey de la Torre, a Cuban-American guitarist. Since then a number of well-known artists have performed for the Society including Julian Bream, Leo Brouwer, Oscar Ghiglia, Christopher Parkening, David Russell and John Williams.

The Society has also helped to develop local talent. Student concerts are programmed in each year and students from across Canada have performed. Each year, scholarships are awarded to University of Toronto undergradute and graduate students from the Key Young and Ann and Eli Kassner scholarship funds. The Guitar Society has also supported the University of Toronto's Guitar Ensemble which has performed locally, and at International Festivals in Cuba and Martinique.

In 1975, the Guitar Society sponsored its first international guitar festival-"Guitar 75". This brought to Toronto internationally renowned artists to take part in concerts, master classes, workshops, and symposia. In addition, a showcase was provided for Canadian artists in the form of noon-hour concerts. Canadian composers were commissioned to compose original music for the Festival, and an international competition for performers was held. Over 400 people participated from Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Due to the success of Guitar' 75, subsequent Festivals were held in 1978, 1981, 1984, and 1987.

The Guitar Society has continues today with its original intent of promoting the classical guitar through the sponsoring of top-rate concerts by major artists and the development of local talent.

Click here for a personal reflection from Guitar Society founder Eli Kassner.