Jazz History, Iconic Music, and the Next Generation of Jazz Greats Unite in Banff (The Beautiful) Celebrates Oscar Peterson at 100 at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity

On July 18, Banff Centre, in collaboration with the Estate of Oscar Peterson and Céline Peterson, presents a concert in honour of the Canadian jazz legend, Dr. Oscar Peterson, in support of Banff Centre’s signature fundraiser, Banff Centre Celebrates. 

BANFF, AB, July 3, 2025 – Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is proud to present Banff (The Beautiful) Celebrates Oscar Peterson at 100, a musical celebration honouring the legacy and enduring influence of one of Canada’s most iconic jazz artists, and one of the founding artists of its own jazz program. This one-night-only performance of Peterson’s music, an all-star band, and stories from Dr. Peterson’s daughter Céline Peterson, will take place on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 8 p.m. in the Jenny Belzberg Theatre at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.  

Banff Centre has been training artists since 1933 in the Canadian Rockies. Its jazz program began in 1974, when Oscar Peterson and Phil Nimmons were invited to lead Banff Centre’s first-ever jazz workshop. To say it was a success is an understatement. This marked the beginning of more than 50 years of jazz education on campus.

For a few weeks each summer, Banff Centre brought leading performers and composers together with emerging artists in an intense program of master classes, ensemble playing, discussion, and experimentation. What began as a bold, all-Canadian initiative has grown into an internationally acclaimed jazz program.  

To celebrate that history and the 100th birthday of a music legend, Banff Centre and The Estate of Oscar Peterson bring Banff (The Beautiful) Celebrates Osar Peterson at 100 to the Bow Valley, an unforgettable evening of music and storytelling. The event will feature performances by acclaimed Canadian artists Robi Botos, Taurey Butler, Brandi Disterheft, Jocelyn Gould, Caty Gyorgy, Mark McLean, RINA, and Dave Young.  

Emceeing the evening is Céline Peterson, daughter of Oscar Peterson, who brings a deeply personal lens to her father’s life, legacy, and influence.  

Banff (The Beautiful) Celebrates Oscar Peterson at 100 is part of Banff Centre Celebrates, a signature summer fundraiser featuring an exclusive Reception, Dinner, and After Party at CLVB ’33 featuring an all-star Canadian ensemble of jazz, blues, and cabaret artists.  

Banff (The Beautiful) Celebrates Oscar Peterson at 100 
Jenny Belzberg Theatre at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity  
107 Tunnel Mtn Drive, Banff 
July 18, 2025 
$75 - $125 
Tickets are available at banffcentre.ca or 403.762.6301. 

For photos, information or interview requests, please contact:

Carly Maga 
Director, Communications 
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity 
tel: +1.403.763.6210 
cell: +1.403.431.3423 
carly_maga@banffcentre.ca

About Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Founded in 1933, Banff Centre is a post-secondary institution built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and leadership development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become a global organization leading in arts, culture, and creative decision-making across dozens of disciplines, from the fine arts to Indigenous Wise Practices. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to move everyone who attends our campus - artists, leaders, thinkers, and audiences - to unleash their creative potential and realize their unique contribution to build an innovative, inspiring future through education, performances, convenings, and public outreach. banffcentre.ca

About Oscar Peterson  
Dr. OSCAR PETERSON, CC CQ OOnt., is one of the most prolific jazz pianists of all time, lending his name and talents to more than 500 recordings and earning 8 GRAMMY Awards. Peterson’s global admiration and respect as both a musician and humanitarian would later be recognized in the form of various international honours including: Praemium Imperiale, UNESCO Music Prize, Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, and sixteen honourary doctorates. For most of his near seven-decade career, Peterson traveled around the world, performing for eager audiences and proudly representing his home of Canada. Among his most cherished recognitions was being named a Companion of the Order of Canada, Chevalier of the Order of Québec, and receiving the Order of Ontario.

About Céline Peterson  
Producer and Artist Representative Céline Peterson works with some of the most exciting internationally acclaimed jazz artists on the scene today, including JUNO Award winners Caity Gyorgy, Jim Doxas, and Robi Botos; renowned vocalist Paul Marinaro, tap-dancing storyteller Travis Knights; beloved songstress Jackie Richardson; Member of the Order of Canada, Dr. Dave Young; pianist Ben Paterson; and the Doxas Brothers. Also an experienced producer, Céline’s live event credits include Jazz at Lincoln Center, Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, Bravo Niagara! Festival of the Arts, Massey Hall, and nearly eight years as a producer of Toronto’s Kensington Market Jazz Festival