PUBLIC COMMEMORATIONS
Oscar's Corner
(Ottawa, Canada)
In commemoration of this Canadian jazz legend Oscar Peterson's profound impact, in 2010 the Oscar Peterson National Committee commissioned Canadian artist Ruth Abernethy to create a commemorative statue in the heart of the country, at Canada's National Arts Centre. That statue was unveiled amid great celebration on June 30, 2010 by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. More than 10,000 people lined Elgin and Albert Streets to participate in the unveiling, which included a performance from fellow beloved musical national treasure, Dr. Oliver Jones, OC CQ.
The life size statue depicts Peterson sitting on a bench at a piano, smiling, and includes a space for visitors to sit next to him. The statue was intended to depict Peterson as if he had just finished playing and had turned toward his audience. The statue is made from bronze, and was created by the Canadian sculptor Ruth Abernethy. Abernathy said the statue was designed so that Peterson was "...very accessible to people who love him and that is an unabashed set-up to just have a moment with Oscar". The piano has 97 keys as opposed to the 88 keys on a standard piano, and is based on an Austrian piano that Peterson favoured. Abernethy intended the extra keys to represent a "metaphor for his musical inventiveness" as Peterson was a "...man who asked to reimagine the piano".
Salle de Concert Oscar Peterson
(Montréal, Canada)
Located at Concordia University in Montréal, the Concert Hall opened to the public in January 1990, and it features variable acoustics to accommodate different types of needs. On October 16, 1999, the hall was named the Oscar Peterson Concert Hall, after the renowned Montreal-born jazz pianist. Oscar Peterson received an honorary degree from Concordia in 1979, and he was awarded the Loyola Medal in 1997. Many performers have appeared at the Hall including Wynton Marsalis, Sun Ra, Stompin' Tom Connors, and the Montreal Symphony Orchestra.
Jazz Born Here
(Montréal, Canada)
This mural by Gene Pendon pays tribute to the great genius internationally renowned montrealer pianist Oscar Peterson, in honor of the 5th anniversary of his passing. It was the opportunity to embellish the neighborhood where he was born but also give pride to its community by celebrating its musical heritage.
The imagery was taken directly from the Peterson’s family personal archives. The piano notes channel the famous pianist international career path, depicted at different periods of his life. The use of the blues, the purples, the black in the colors and the motifs is a reference to Jazz’s nightlife. The cityscape at the top of the mural represents Little Burgundy, as admired daily by the muralist from up his scaffolding while creating his piece.
This project was developed by MU in partnership with the community of Little Burgundy (Ville de Montréal), known for the vitality and dynamism of its residents.
Hommage À Oliver Jones
(2014)
Daisy Peterson Sweeney
(2018)
21 Park Road
(Toronto, Canada)
In 1960, Oscar Peterson opened The Advanced School of Contemporary Music in downtown Toronto. The faculty was comprised of Ray Brown, Ed Thigpen, and Phil Nimmons and through a four-month course, students had the opportunity to learn both in a private and group setting as well as attend lectures and other special events.
In 2015, A Heritage Toronto plaque was unveiled at the school's home of 21 Park Road in Toronto. Learn more about ASCM through a piece written by Nicholas Jennings.
Parc Oscar Peterson
(Montréal, Canada)
Oscar’s namesake park in Little Burgundy is located just a few blocks from the street he grew up on (810 rue Chatham). The park was named after Oscar in 2009 thanks to the lobbying efforts of a neighbourhood coalition. There are lots of things to do here: Oscar Peterson Park features basketball courts, a soccer field, an outdoor skating rink, and play structures. The park’s picnic tables make for a great spot to relax and take in the scenery (and maybe enjoy some jazz music too).