Oscar Peterson Centennial

2025 marks the centennial of Dr. Oscar Peterson, one of the great pianists in jazz history and a Canadian national treasure. It is fitting that his life and career be celebrated with this musical retrospective featuring some of Canada’s most important jazz musicians.

For the occasion, the Oscar Peterson Centennial Quartet was formed and will consist of pianist Robi Botos, bassist Mike Downes and drummer Jim Doxas. It is important to note that these musicians have won top honours at the Juno Awards over the past few decades.

For this exceptional celebration, a distinguished guest will join the group. In this case, the virtuoso Swedish guitarist, Ulf Wakenius, who was the last guitarist of the Oscar Peterson Quartet. He certainly held one of the most prestigious tasks entrusted to a guitarist, that of accompanying Mr. Peterson from 1997 until the death of the great pianist in 2007.

This unique concert will highlight Mr. Peterson’s most famous and appreciated compositions, such as “Place St-Henri,” “Hymn to Freedom” and “Cakewalk.” Of course, great jazz standards will be intertwined with Oscar’s works.