Monday, April 28, 2008
Oscar Peterson Public School in Stouffville!
York Region School Board has announced that there will be a new school opening in Stouffville that will take the Oscar Peterson name.
The school is expected to be officially opening to students in Fall 2008.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
National Jazz Awards 2008
Dr. Peterson will be honoured at the 2008 National Jazz Awards being held in Toronto on April 8th.
"We are humbled to announce Robi Botos, Kevin Breit, and Dave Restivo will perform in respect to the passing of three of our greatest musicians - Oscar Peterson, Jeff Healey, and Doug Riley at the NJA's" said Bill King.
The awards will take place at the Palais Royale in Toronto on April 8th. The tickets are $65.00.
Go to http://www.nationaljazzawards.com for ticket information and any other inquiries.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Oscar Peterson: Simply The Best
The Roy Thomson Hall Tribute was a wonderful success! The evening was a glorious and emotional night that we know Dr. Peterson would have appreciated.
The list of talent that participated includes Valerie Pringle as the host. As well as, Bob Rae, Quincy Jones, and Phil Nimmons who spoke. Monty Alexander, Audrey Morris, Hilary Kole, Measha Brueggergosman, Gregory Charles, and Nancy Wilson performed. There was a special audio message from Stevie Wonder, as well as a video of the Oscar Peterson Quartet performing in Berlin, 1985. Governor General Michaelle Jean and Celine Peterson gave speeches at the tribute. One of the most special events was when the Oscar Peterson Quartet performed. Ulf Wakenius, David Young, and Jeff Hamilton (who are the standing members) and special guest Monty Alexander, played a wonderful medley that set the mood for the rest of the night. The finale was Measha Brueggergosman (singing with three gospel choirs) sang Hymn to Freedom in an arrangement done by Andrew Craig which brought tears to every eye in the house. Especially when they tied in Requiem, and Peterson's voice talking about why he wrote the song. Peterson also played the last two bars of Hymn to Freedom which really brought the closing of the evening.
Kelly, Celine and the rest of the Peterson family would like to thank everybody who donated their time, effort, and talent to this project. It was truly a magical evening that will never be forgotten.
They would also like to sincerely thank everybody who waited in line from late friday night and onward. Your dedication, and respect is admirable and we really do appreciate it.
CBC has announced that the evening will be on demand online for one year. Please click the link below to listen to the entire event as long as your heart desires.
http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/singleConcert.html?20080112oscar
The list of talent that participated includes Valerie Pringle as the host. As well as, Bob Rae, Quincy Jones, and Phil Nimmons who spoke. Monty Alexander, Audrey Morris, Hilary Kole, Measha Brueggergosman, Gregory Charles, and Nancy Wilson performed. There was a special audio message from Stevie Wonder, as well as a video of the Oscar Peterson Quartet performing in Berlin, 1985. Governor General Michaelle Jean and Celine Peterson gave speeches at the tribute. One of the most special events was when the Oscar Peterson Quartet performed. Ulf Wakenius, David Young, and Jeff Hamilton (who are the standing members) and special guest Monty Alexander, played a wonderful medley that set the mood for the rest of the night. The finale was Measha Brueggergosman (singing with three gospel choirs) sang Hymn to Freedom in an arrangement done by Andrew Craig which brought tears to every eye in the house. Especially when they tied in Requiem, and Peterson's voice talking about why he wrote the song. Peterson also played the last two bars of Hymn to Freedom which really brought the closing of the evening.
Kelly, Celine and the rest of the Peterson family would like to thank everybody who donated their time, effort, and talent to this project. It was truly a magical evening that will never be forgotten.
They would also like to sincerely thank everybody who waited in line from late friday night and onward. Your dedication, and respect is admirable and we really do appreciate it.
CBC has announced that the evening will be on demand online for one year. Please click the link below to listen to the entire event as long as your heart desires.
http://www.cbc.ca/radio2/singleConcert.html?20080112oscar
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
IN MEMORIAM
Oscar Emmanuel Peterson
August 25 1925 - December 23 2007
For anyone who would like to make donations, we ask you to please make them to World Vision or Christian Children's Fund in honour of Oscar Peterson.
In 2004 The Late Niels Henning Orsted Pedersen suggested that Oscar write lyrics to "When Summer Comes". In 2005 when Niels passed away, Oscar persued this and asked Elvis Costello to write lyrics. On Oscar's 80th Birthday event, Diana Krall sang the lyrics that Elvis wrote. Oscar loved the lyrics, and we thought it would be fitting to have them here for others to enjoy.
When Summer Comes
Music by Oscar Peterson
Lyrics by Elvis Costello
Originally Performed by Diana Krall
The land was white
While the winter moon was absent from the night
And the blackness only pierced by far off stars
But as every day still succeeds the darkest moments we have known
When seasons turn
Springtime colours will return
And as the first pale flowers of the lengthening hours
Seem to brighten the twilight and that melancholy cloak
Then a fresh perfume just seems to burst from each bloom
Until the green shoots through each day
As it arrives in every shade of hope
When Summer Comes
There will be a dream of peace
And a breath that I've held so long that I can barely release
Then perhaps I may even find a room somewhere
Just a place I can still speak to you
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Oscar Peterson to be Presented with The Founder's Award
The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame/ Le Panthon des Auteurs et Compositeurs Canadiens (CSHF/PACC) is pleased to announce the four celebrated Canadian songwriters, one Founders Award and 23 memorable songs inductees for 2008.
The Founder's Award will be presented to Oscar Peterson, a brilliant jazz pianist and composer celebrated for his musical dexterity and energetic performances.
"The international acclaim that this year's inductees have received during their careers illustrates the impact Canadian songwriters have had on the international music scene," said Peter Steinmetz, Chairman of the CSHF. "The 2008 inductees truly are Canadian treasures and we are proud to honour their outstanding achievements."
For a complete list of this year's inductees visit our 2008 Inductees page.
Seats to this star-studded event are limited. Tickets will be available online through www.ticketmaster.ca in early December.
The Founder's Award will be presented to Oscar Peterson, a brilliant jazz pianist and composer celebrated for his musical dexterity and energetic performances.
"The international acclaim that this year's inductees have received during their careers illustrates the impact Canadian songwriters have had on the international music scene," said Peter Steinmetz, Chairman of the CSHF. "The 2008 inductees truly are Canadian treasures and we are proud to honour their outstanding achievements."
For a complete list of this year's inductees visit our 2008 Inductees page.
Seats to this star-studded event are limited. Tickets will be available online through www.ticketmaster.ca in early December.
