Pivotal new gift to U of T Music supports deans in perpetuity

May 22, 2026

A transformative gift from Murray R. Metcalfe (BASc 1977) has established a decanal chair at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music. In recognition of his generosity, the university will name the chair the Metcalfe Family Decanal Chair in Music, which Faculty of Music deans will hold going forward. The creation of this chair will empower a new era of impact at the faculty, helping advance the university’s reputation as a global hub for music innovation.

Metcalfe’s commitment will be matched by U of T to create an endowment that will support the chair in perpetuity. The decanal chair will build on the faculty’s international reputation for excellence, enabling deans to respond to emerging opportunities and priorities that will transform music education, creation and research in areas such as music composition and performance, sound engineering and clinical music therapy.

Murray Metcalfe’s generous gift represents a significant investment in the future of music at the University of Toronto and an acknowledgement of the stature of our programs.

“Murray Metcalfe’s generous gift represents a significant investment in the future of music at the University of Toronto and an acknowledgement of the stature of our programs,” said Ryan McClelland, interim dean of the Faculty of Music. “It will enable the faculty to pursue innovations that will help us continue to be a leader in the rapidly evolving landscape of music performance, education, creation and research. We are grateful to Murray for his generosity.”

Murray Metcalfe’s generous gift represents a significant investment in the future of music at the University of Toronto and an acknowledgement of the stature of our programs.

Parallel passions for music and innovation

Metcalfe is an engaged U of T alumnus, graduating from the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering with a bachelor of applied science in 1977. After completing a master of science and PhD in engineering-economic systems at Stanford University, he embarked on a successful career in venture capital and private equity in the United States. He returned to U of T from 2007 to 2020 in a part-time role as Professor, Globalization in the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.

Metcalfe’s interest in innovation in higher education drew him to join U of T’s international leadership council and the Faculty of Music’s advisory council. This new gift represents his deep commitment to the role of music in society and brings together his passions for music and innovation.

“Next year will be the 50th anniversary of my graduation, as well as the 200th anniversary of U of T’s founding, and this seems an opportune time to make this gift,” said Metcalfe. “U of T has been such an important part of my life, and I can say the same about music. This gift integrates those interests.

“Over the last several years I have enjoyed engaging at the Faculty of Music and with the many exceptionally talented members of the community – there is so much potential ahead. And for me it is another dimension of my U of T involvement.”

“Murray Metcalfe’s remarkable commitment to his alma mater is evident in his past teaching and present volunteerism and philanthropy,” said David Palmer, vice-president of advancement at U of T. “This new gift champions the future of music education, research and innovation at the University of Toronto and will also spark creativity and culture across Canada and the globe.”

Ushering in a new era of impact

U of T’s Faculty of Music has been Canada’s leading institution for music performance, creation, education and research for more than 100 years. As a cultural engine in one of the world’s most diverse and dynamic cities, the faculty fuels iconic arts organizations in Toronto and across Canada; prepares future generations of arts leaders, performers and creators; and fosters artistic and academic excellence across a wide range of musical disciplines. Its illustrious graduates are some of the world’s top performers and composers.

U of T has been such an important part of my life, and I can say the same about music. This gift integrates those interests.

The faculty’s vibrant community of alumni, students and faculty members is generating influential research, making a name for themselves through flagship awards – Oscars, Grammys, Emmys, Junos, Genies and other industry accolades – and catalyzing significant contributions in music education and the performing arts sector.

U of T has been such an important part of my life, and I can say the same about music. This gift integrates those interests.

The Metcalfe Family Decanal Chair in Music will help usher the faculty into a new era of impact and prestige. It will build on the faculty’s innovative programming and its push beyond the traditional boundaries in music – helping to attract the brightest minds in the field to U of T’s Faculty of Music.

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