Dubbed the “maharajah of piano” by Duke Ellington, Peterson received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from York in 1982 and was an adjunct professor in York’s Department of Music from 1984 to the late 1990s. He was installed as the University’s eighth chancellor in September 1991, and served with great distinction until February 1994.

Peterson’s life, and his immense contribution to jazz, will be celebrated Saturday during a memorial concert tribute in Toronto.

"As an adjunct professor of music and later as chancellor, Oscar Peterson's contributions to York were many and profound," said York President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri. "York University is blessed that the greatest jazz pianist of our time was also the most generous when it came to sharing his talent."

Peterson established several student awards in York’s jazz program. He was made an Honorary Governor of York in 1995 and forged a special connection as a Fellow of McLaughlin College.

"Our first master, George Tatham, arranged for McLaughlin College to acquire an 1896 Bechstein baby grand piano for students and fellows to play," said Ian Greene, master of McLaughlin College. "By 1991, it was in terrible condition and Oscar Peterson recommended that it be restored. The students managed to raise the funds, and the piano was recently restored. We were planning a big celebration in the spring and were hoping that Oscar Peterson could attend. The piano is in our senior common room, which is adorned with several photos and posters of Oscar Peterson. It is not far from a student lounge area we call 'Oscar's'."

The public memorial concert, titled "Oscar Peterson – Simply the Best", will take place at 4pm on Saturday, Jan. 12, at Toronto’s Roy Thomson Hall, and is free of charge. The 90-minute celebration of Peterson’s life will include performances, memories and film and video highlights of Peterson’s career. A number of artists will perform, including Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman, the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, the University of Toronto Gospel Choir, and the Sharon Riley & Faith Chorale. Governor General Michaëlle Jean will speak on behalf of Canadians who admired the musician, and former premier Bob Rae, an avid pianist and friend of the Peterson family, will speak for the family. The afternoon will be hosted by broadcaster Valerie Pringle.

A member of the Order of Canada, Peterson's impressive collection of awards includes seven Grammys and a Grammy for lifetime achievement. During his distinguished career, which spanned six decades, Mr. Peterson played with some of the greatest jazz musicians including Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. Among his best loved compositions are "The Canadiana Suite", "Hymn for Freedom", "Bach's Blues" and "Nigerian Marketplace". Mr. Peterson recorded over 80 albums in his own name and was inducted into the Juno Awards Hall of Fame in 1978.

The family has requested that donations in Mr. Peterson's memory be made to World Vision Canada or Christian Children's Fund.

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