Born August 15, 1925, in Montreal, Dr. Oscar Peterson was one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. To celebrate his 100th birthday, the Estate of Oscar Peterson and Banff Centre will join together for an unforgettable evening of music. Since his first jazz workshop in 1974, Peterson had a deep relationship with Banff Centre. That workshop became an annual event and evolved into the renowned Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music.
We asked Oscar Peterson’s daughter, Céline Peterson, who is a music producer and artist representative, what’s planned for the special evening on July 18. That led to a wide-ranging conversation about her father’s influence and legacy.
“It’s a remarkable occasion,” says Céline about the 100th anniversary of Peterson’s birth, “and one that you don’t really think about it gets close.”
At the centre of this celebration in Banff is an acknowledgement of Oscar Peterson’s work in music education. He opened a school in Toronto in 1960: the Advanced School of Contemporary Music. He returned to Toronto’s York University in 1986 when he was appointed as adjunct professor of Music in jazz studies. He also served as that university’s Chancellor from 1991 to 1993.
Céline notes that although Peterson’s touring and performing schedule was busy, he always made time for teaching. “It was important to him, but because of the demands of his career, he could not maintain a regular teaching schedule,” says Céline. “So he figured out other ways to do music education. He could drop in and do special things, like workshops. That remained constant, throughout his career.”
Céline adds, “I have memories of him doing master classes in the afternoon, before a concert. Sometimes he was on tour in another country, and he would do a masterclass or a workshop with a translator, for students who did not speak English. He wanted there to be no barriers. And really, when you’re speaking the language of music, other barriers fall away.”
Céline also notes that her dad was fun and playful in his interactions with young people. The elementary students at Oscar Peterson Public School in Mississauga were treated to spontaneous visits by the person whose name is on the building, including one memorable Christmas visit. “He went to the store and bought candy canes with my mom. He went to every single classroom and handed out candy canes to all the students.”
As she looks forward to the celebration at Banff Centre, Céline says, “We wanted to do something special, because of the meaningful history there.”
An accomplished ensemble will be on stage. Céline describes pianist Robi Botos as “known and loved all over Canada.” She refers to Montreal’s Taurey Butler as “a force on the piano and an incredible human being.” The third pianist is a young woman named RINA, who was born in Japan and now lives and works in New York City. Céline notes that RINA will be coming to Banff—and to Canada—for the first time. Rounding out the ensemble will be guitarist Jocelyn Gould, bassist Brandi Disterheft, drummer Mark McLean, vocalist Caity Gyorgy. Céline will be the MC.
“It was wonderful to work with the team at Banff Centre,” says Céline. “It was a lovely opportunity to invite artists from Canada and around the world. It’s honouring him in different ways. If he were here, he would not want to hear people try to copy him. That’s not what made him happy. Hearing his influence is beautiful, but more beautiful than that is hearing the individuality of each artist.”
When a parent is as famous and beloved as Oscar Peterson is, the family learns to share him with the world. The Petersons don’t seem to mind. “This had to happen,” says Céline. “We really wanted to bring our celebrations to Banff. Our family is thrilled.”
“Banff (The Beautiful) Celebrates Oscar Peterson at 100” will take place on July 18 in the Jenny Belzberg Theatre at Banff Centre. Find info and tickets here.
