Book excerpt: A vibrant, richly illustrated commemorative book celebrating the first 30 years of Roy Thomson Hall, one of Canada’s most famous performance venues. Roy Thomson Hall: A Portrait traces the first 30 years of what was initially known as "New Massey Hall." Arthur Erickson’s iconic design quickly became a symbol of a vibrant city emerging on the world stage. Home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the hall has welcomed a range of acclaimed artists and lecturers, film presentations, and corporate events. The authors provide a background to the musical history of Toronto and an intimate portrait of the hall’s changes over the years. At the centre of this story are the artists, audiences, volunteers, and staff who have enriched and enlivened the hall since its opening in 1982.