Join two-time JUNO Award-winning pianist and composer Andy Milne for an intimate afternoon session of music, insight, and conversation.
Through personal reflection, live performance, and curated audio examples, Milne explores the many layers of Oscar Peterson’s influence — on his own artistic journey, on generations of musicians, and on the broader currents of Canadian culture and jazz history. As a curious observer driven by connection, Milne also challenges conventional notions of musical criticism and invites audiences to consider how we define and measure influence in an ever-evolving artistic landscape.
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.
ABOUT TIMELESS: 100 YEARS OF OSCAR PETERSON
National Music Centre's newest exhibition, Timeless: 100 years of Oscar Peterson, commemorates the centenary of one of Canada’s greatest musical legends. The exhibition celebrates the extraordinary life, music, and legacy of the virtuosic jazz pianist, composer, and humanitarian who captivated audiences around the world.
Thanks to the Radomski Foundation for supporting the Oscar Peterson exhibition and live programs.
Thanks to Michael Lipnicki Fine Pianos their support in providing a Bösendorfer piano for this concert.
