With excitement building over its new academic facilities opening in September, the Royal Conservatory of Music saw attendance increase by close to 100 (for a total of 350 guests) for their annual Royal Occasion gala on Wednesday evening. The company took the event as an opportunity to introduce its new branding while honouring Canadian pop star Nelly Furtado. "We're drawing attention to the RCM coming home to its new building and expanding its programs," said RCM special event coordinator Jennifer Orticello, who worked with a group that included event designers at Telus and Peter Carruthers of the decor collective 43degrees to plan the gala.After using the Windsor Arms Hotel as a venue for the past five years, Orticello said, the RCM decided on the Royal Ontario Museum this year to accommodate more people and use a site close to the new building, the Telus Centre for Performance and Learning (at 273 Bloor Street West). Throughout the ROM's Samuel Hall, the RCM's new branding by Scott Thornley and Company appeared on screens, posters, and in the programs. Advertisements with close-up shots of students included the revamped RCM logo and the new tagline—the finest instrument is the mind. "It's the beginning of a whole new phase for us, and there will be rebranding and a big media push in the coming months," said Orticello.
Entertainment included performances by 15 RCM students, and later, Furtado and Cuban jazz pianist Hilario Durán played two songs for the crowd. Guests dined in the purple-lit Currelly Gallery on mirrored tables with candelabra centrepieces. The four-course meal by Presidential Gourmet included molecular gastronomy touches such as beef tenderloin with Jerusalem artichoke mousse and lavender pots-au-crème with blueberry gel.
Entertainment included performances by 15 RCM students, and later, Furtado and Cuban jazz pianist Hilario Durán played two songs for the crowd. Guests dined in the purple-lit Currelly Gallery on mirrored tables with candelabra centrepieces. The four-course meal by Presidential Gourmet included molecular gastronomy touches such as beef tenderloin with Jerusalem artichoke mousse and lavender pots-au-crème with blueberry gel.
The cocktail reception at the Royal Occasion gala
Photo: Courtesy of Photopix by Tina/Presidential Gourmet
An ice curtain with purple flowers divided the reception and dining areas at the event.
Photo: BizBash
The RCM displayed its revamped logo on screens throughout the ROM.
Photo: Courtesy of Photopix by Tina/Presidential Gourmet
The dining room included mirrored tables and purple lighting, along with an event program at every table setting.
Photo: Courtesy of Photopix by Tina/Presidential Gourmet
Guests entered the ROM on a purple carpet lined with floral displays.
Photo: BizBash
A display at the cocktail reception showcased a model of the new Telus Centre for Performance and Learning.
Photo: BizBash
Nelly Furtado peformed two songs on a small stage in the Currelly Gallery.
Photo: BizBash
