Oscar Peterson’s 100th Birthday Celebration

As the world celebrates the 100th birthday of Oscar Peterson, The Royal Conservatory proudly pays tribute to one of its most illustrious alumni, regarded as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. From his early days in Montreal to becoming an internationally celebrated jazz icon, Peterson’s journey is deeply rooted in classical training and a lifelong dedication to musical excellence.

Part I:

Free masterclasses, talks, and performances by students from the RCM’s Oscar Peterson School of Music.

Oscar Peterson’s 100th Birthday (Part II):

Day two’s celebration starts with a nod to Peterson’s 1977 release, Oscar and the Bassists, featuring Christian McBride, John Clayton, and others, with Benny Green on piano, and Jeff Hamilton on drums, along with a performance of his AFRICA! Suite featuring the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, Green, and McBride. Hosted by The Honourable Justice Rosalie Abella.

 

Oscar Peterson’s 100th Birthday (Part III): Hear Oscar’s solo compositions played by an all-star lineup of pianists: Makoto Ozone, Jon Kimura Parker, Amanda Tosoff, and Thompson Egbo-Egbo. Renowned jazz vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant and her trio perform Oscar’s songs in the second half of the concert.

Curated by Kelly Peterson and Mervon Mehta.

After the concert, enjoy a beverage and more music at the Postlude Performance in the Leslie and Anna Dan Galleria.

Who is it for?

All ages

Tickets : Free – $195.00

How to get tickets?

Buy online

Phone: 416-408-0208

Email: tickets@rcmusic.ca

 

Date:

Part I: Thu. October 23, 2025 | 5:30 PM

5:30pm: Drum masterclass featuring Jeff Hamilton (former Oscar Peterson band member)
6:45pm: Performance by students from The RCM’s Oscar Peterson Program
7:30pm: Panel discussion on the legacy of Oscar Peterson, moderated by The Honourable Rosalie Silberman Abella featuring Kelly Peterson, Mark Ruffin (Program Director for Sirius XM’s Real Jazz), and journalist Paul Wells
8:30pm: Performance by the Sean Nimmons Trio, grandson of Canadian jazz legend Phil Nimmons

Part II – Friday, October 24, 2025 | 8:00 PM

Part III- Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 8:00 PM

Venue & Address

Koerner Hall, TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning, 273 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON

Wheelchair accessible

Paid Parking

Accessible by Public Transport