Turning bronze into gold

Supporters of a life-sized bronze statute of jazz great Oscar Peterson have raised $80,000 of their $210,00 goal.

And the statue of the legendary pianist, to be located beside the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, has been given the official stamp from the city’s transportation committee.

Canadian sculptor Ruth Abernethy, who also created the sculpture of Manitoba Theatre Centre co-founders John Hirsch and Tom Hendry here, said the idea behind putting the statue of Peterson sitting on a bench beside a grand piano outside the NAC is to encourage passersby to sit beside it and "play a duet."

The statue of Peterson, the terrific pianist who gave Canada an international presence in the jazz world, will be unveiled June 30 as part of Canada Day celebrations.

The Oscar Peterson National Committee, led by NAC president and CEO Peter Herrndorf, said Wednesday it has raised $80,000 of the $210,000 it is aiming for.

OP, who died in 2007 at 82, made a mountain of great music in his 65-year career with more than 200 recordings under his name and uncountable performances. The planned statue is a fitting tribute to the country’s true jazz star.

Go to www.nac-cna.ca/oscar to donate online or get information on mailed donations.