Jazz concerts to honour Oscar Peterson on what would have been his 100th birthday

TORONTO – Canadian jazz legends Dave Young and Oliver Jones are among the musicians set to honour Oscar Peterson at a concert next month in Toronto.

“Oscar Peterson at 100” takes place at Massey Hall on June 14 and is billed as “a Canadian celebration” of the late jazz pianist featuring old friends and musicians who were inspired by his work.

It’s among many upcoming events that will mark what would’ve been Peterson’s 100th birthday this summer.

Nearly two dozen performers have been announced for the show, which is being co-produced by his daughter Céline Peterson.

They also include pianist Robi Botos, Juno-winning singer Laila Biali and composer Sean Nimmons, the grandson of jazz clarinetist Phil Nimmons.

The show will mix performances of Peterson’s original compositions with a selection of jazz standards.

Peterson was born Aug. 15, 1925 and died of kidney failure in 2007 at the age of 82.

A series of cross-country shows are being organized by Peterson’s daughter this year in co-ordination with a group of musicians named the Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet.

Celebrations include events at the Montreal Jazz Festival, Stratford Festival and Banff Centre.

The pianist’s widow Kelly Peterson will also speak about her life with the musician at an event in Waterloo, Ont. on July 18.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 14, 2025.