Celebrating the legacy of Oscar Peterson
UTM’s Music and Culture Concert Series presents a celebration of Peterson’s impactful career.
The University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM)’s Department of English and Drama recently held the first UTM Music and Culture Concert Series, honouring the legendary jazz pianist, Oscar Peterson, with a tribute concert in Deerfield Hall. The performance, led by jazz graduate Josh Smiley, celebrated Peterson’s contributions to music and his profound impact on the jazz genre.
Attending the tribute concert was a pleasant experience as I had never witnessed a live performance on campus before. Experiencing this small slice of musical talent in between classes was a worthwhile break. Among the pieces performed, my favourites were Love Ballad and Hymn to Freedom. Hymn to Freedom, a musical interpretation of Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, resonated deeply and brought back memories from when I sang it in the school choir as a child.
In contrast, Love Ballad has a more lyrical and smoother tune, illustrating Peterson’s talent for crafting beautifully expressive melodies. The atmosphere during the concert was reverent, with an attentive audience responding warmly to Smiley’s playing. It was amazing to watch his fingers fly across the keys, bringing the music to life and all from memory!
Born on August 15, 1925, in Montreal, Quebec, Oscar Peterson began his performance career as a pianist with the Johnny Holmes Orchestra. After several years, he formed his first of many trios. Peterson quickly gained fame, with his performances at the Alberta Lounge in Montreal being broadcast live on the radio, helping him reach a wider audience.
In 1949, impresario Norman Granz discovered Peterson and invited him to perform with Granz’s Jazz at the Philharmonic (JATP) at Carnegie Hall. His performance left audiences in amazement, and he joined JATP as a full-time touring member in 1950, forming a successful piano-bass duo with Ray Brown.
Throughout his career, Peterson amassed an extensive discography that includes collaborations with jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, and Dizzy Gillespie. His accolades are numerous, including the Praemium Imperiale, UNESCO International Music Prize, eight Grammy Awards (including a Lifetime Achievement Grammy), and the Glenn Gould Prize.
In June 1985, Peterson was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Toronto in recognition of his contributions to the arts. Louis Armstrong famously referred to him as “the man with four hands,” a testament to his exceptional skill at the piano. UTM honours Peterson’s legacy further by naming a residence hall in his memory, reinforcing his impact on the university community.
Considered one of the greatest pianists and composers in not only Canadian music history but worldwide, Peterson’s captivating style continues to inspire generations of artists. Throughout his life, Peterson was a remarkable musician and educator. In the 1980s, he returned to teaching, serving as an adjunct professor of music at York University and later as chancellor. He also helped establish the Oscar Peterson Jazz Research Centre towards the end of his career.
The tribute concert at UTM was both a celebration of Oscar Peterson’s impactful career and an opportunity for the university community to reflect on his lasting influence on jazz and music education. As we honour his legacy, we are reminded of the power of music to inspire, heal, and bring people together.
