On February 24th I was asked to attend the first induction ceremony for the Canadian Jazz and Blues Hall of Fame, which was held at the Randolph Academy of the Performing Arts on Bathurst Street in Toronto. It turned out to be a remarkable evening for me. Not only was I made the first inductee into the Hall of Fame, but also I was presented with the first ever Lifetime Achievement Award established by the Boesendorfer Piano Company of Vienna, Austria. It was a great night, with a packed house and an enthusiastic audience. Due to the fact that I had an early meeting scheduled for the next morning in Ottawa, my part of the program was taken care of first, which allowed me to make an early departure.
The first presentation was made by Dr. Christian Hoeferl, Vice President of Boesendorfer Piano Company of Vienna. The audience was treated to a wonderful history of the Boesendorfer Piano Company by the Doctor, who explained the company's aspirations and endeavors to keep the piano worthy of the tremendous worldwide respect that it has already garnered. He also listed some of the most famous owners of the instrument since it first appeared 174 years ago. The first player of the instrument was the venerable Franz Lizst. The roll call of those that followed included Aaron Mendelsohn, Gustav Mahler, Artur Rubinstein, Leonard Bernstein, Victor Borge, Johann Strauss, Andre Previn, George Shearing, Dudley Moore, and many others. I could hear the drawn-in breaths from various members of the audience as he continued through this list of illustrious Boesendorfer players, owners and lovers. Lastly, he spoke of the fact that during one of my European tours with Norman Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic I also became an enthusiastic Boesendorfer owner and player. He stated that in light of this extraordinary and distinguished history, the Company finally decided that it should institute a Lifetime Achievement Award to be given starting this year. After several meetings with the Company hierarchy, he said, they came to the conclusion that I should be the recipient of the first ever Boesendorfer Prize. Needless to say, I am not simply honored, I am virtually overwhelmed, and shall always cherish this moment in my musical life.

Following Dr. Hoeferl, the Mayor of Barrie, Ontario, His Honor Jim Perri, took the mike. He explained the conception and birth of the Canadian Jazz and Blues Hall of Fame, and finished his speech by informing the audience that I was to be its first inductee. Words fail me at this time to express my deep and truly appreciative feelings for these two generous honors. I can only hope that I will be able to live up to them.

P.S. I attempted to show some of my feelings of gratitude by playing a composition from the Canadiana Suite, titled "Wheatland." I was accompanied on bass by gifted bassist and close friend, David Young, to whom I also owe a tremendous thank you.


©2002 Oscar Peterson