Oscar Peterson Jazz Artist-in-Residence, Robi Botos
Award winning pianist, Robi Botos, is the first of two musicians featured as part of the Department of Music’s 2022-2023 Oscar Peterson Jazz Artist-in-Residence. During his residency, he will deliver masterclasses, workshops and seminars for vocalists and instrumentalists.
The following sessions are free and open to the public.
MONDAY NOVEMBER 14
9:00 – 11:00 am
Introduction
Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre
FREE
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Jazz Theory and Practice
Room 235 Accolade East
FREE
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 15
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Jazz in Global Contexts
Sandra Faire and Ivan Fecan Theatre
FREE
11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Composition
Room 235 Accolade East
FREE
2:00 am – 3:30 pm
Modern Technologies in Music
Room 235 Accolade East
FREE
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 16
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Improvisation
Room 001 Accolade East
FREE
12:30 am – 1:30 pm
Robi Botos in Concert
Martin Family Lounge
FREE
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
ROBI BOTOS has been hailed as one of the most diverse multi-instrumentalists of this generation. From the hard-bop style of Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock, to the swing of Oscar Peterson and the heartfelt melodic expression of Mulgrew Miller and Cedar Walton, Robi has managed to master the technique of his idols, all while showcasing his musical expressions in a voice that is purely his own. While Robi is known for being a strong player in the traditional jazz and funk fields, he always incorporates an element of the music he grew up listening to into his playing. Says organist, trumpeter and pianist Joey Defrancesco: “Robi is one of the most swingin’, soulful, funky, world class players I’ve ever heard, and he has a technique like you can’t believe. Definitely one of my very favorite players!!!”
Born of Romani descent in Hungary, Robi taught himself first to play drums as a young child, and got his first taste of being a professional musician working throughout Budapest. Robi was first introduced to the piano when he was 7 years old, and never looked back. He continued to perform throughout Hungary and when he turned 20, decided to move his wife and children to Canada, to further pursue the career he was born for. Now 20 years later, Robi has solidified himself as one of the most sought-after pianists in the country.
Along with being a first-call pianist for some of the top artists around the world, as well as leading his own groups in sold-out shows nationwide, Robi is also a highly sought-after composer. In 2013, Robi composed the score for a film that was deeply personal to him. Aaron Yeger’s “A People Uncounted” tells the story of the rich culture and history of the Romani people (commonly refered to as ‘Gypsies’) in Europe. The film specifically focuses on the mistreatment and devastation of the Romani people during the Holocaust. This moving project was nominated for a Producer’s Guild Award in 2014. Since then, Robi’s music can also be heard on Stella Meghie’s 2016 film “Jean of the Joneses,” which received 2 nominations at the Canadian Screen Awards. Robi also contributed to the soundtrack of the 2013 Richard Gere and Susan Sarandon film “Arbitrage”.
The Oscar Peterson Jazz Artist-in-Residence is made possible by a grant from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities.
