Join us for an unforgettable evening as two-time JUNO Award-winning pianist and composer Andy Milne pays tribute to his mentor, the legendary Oscar Peterson, in honour of Peterson’s 100th birthday on August 15.
A former student of Oscar Peterson at York University, Milne’s musical journey was deeply shaped by the legendary jazz icon. Whether you're a lifelong admirer of Oscar Peterson or new to the jazz scene, this heartfelt tribute offers a fresh perspective through the lens of one of today’s distinguished and respected voice in modern jazz.
Concert tickets include access to the National Music Centre's new exhibition, Timeless: 100 years of Oscar Peterson, which celebrates the life and career of Peterson. The exhibition will be open to ticket holders one hour before and after the performance.
About Andy Milne
A fearless, versatile explorer, two-time JUNO Award winning pianist/composer Andy Milne has been a distinct and respected voice at the heart of New York’s creative jazz scene for 30 years, collaborating with dancers, visual artists, poets and musicians spanning jazz, classical, pop, folk, and world music. At the piano he skillfully blends poetic gravitas with a playful sense of order.
He has recorded and toured throughout the world with Ravi Coltrane, Ralph Alessi, Carlos Ward and Carla Cook, and has collaborated with a range of artists including Andrew Cyrille, Sekou Sundiata, Avery Brooks, Bruce Cockburn, Fred Hersch, Ben Monder, Dianne Reeves, Jen Shyu, Tyshawn Sorey and Jamie Baum.
A former student of Oscar Peterson, Milne was at the center of the M-BASE Collective as a core member of saxophonist Steve Coleman’s bands, as well as performing with Cassandra Wilson and Greg Osby. Milne has released 12 recordings as a leader or co-leader and also actively composes for classical ensembles and scores for film and television. In 2024 the Isidore String Quartet with Milne, premiered his piano quintet commissioned by the Banff International String Quartet Competition. The Toronto Symphony with guest soloist Joe Lovano premiered select Milne orchestral arrangements as part of the John Coltrane: Legacy for Orchestra project. Milne began working in film and TV in 2011, scoring seven Star Trek themed documentaries for acclaimed actor/director William Shatner. He recently completed the film score to "True North,” from Emmy Award winning director Michèle Stephenson.
He is the recipient of numerous awards and commissions, including the prestigious Civitella Fellowship. In addition to his multiple projects, Milne is a sought-after educator, serving as an assistant professor of music at The University of Michigan. He draws inspiration from politics, philosophy, homeopathy, comedy, and science fiction, with musical influences that bridge Thelonious Monk, Art Tatum, Herbie Nichols, Bela Bartok, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder.
Thanks to the Radomski Foundation for supporting the Oscar Peterson exhibition and live programs.