Oscar Peterson: A Centennial Celebration

ABOUT THE CONCERT

Join us for a monumental evening as we celebrate the 100th birthday of Oscar Peterson (1925-2007), one of the most virtuosic and influential jazz pianists of the 20th century. Born in Montreal, Peterson's exceptional musical abilities were apparent early on. He started his professional career as a teenager with the Johnny Holmes Orchestra, quickly earning recognition for his remarkable technique and deep swing. By the time he was 24, jazz impresario Norman Granz had noticed him and invited him to perform at a Jazz at the Philharmonic concert at Carnegie Hall—an event that marked the beginning of Peterson's global career.

Over the course of his remarkable career, Peterson recorded more than 200 albums, won eight Grammy Awards, and set a new standard for jazz piano through his legendary trios with Ray Brown, Herb Ellis, and Joe Pass. This centennial celebration will feature a star-studded roster of musicians for a fitting tribute to a man who not only mastered the piano but also left an indelible mark on the world of jazz and beyond.