Own a Piece of Jazz History

eBay Canada hosts Oscar Peterson Auction

TORONTO, Aug. 14, 2015 /CNW/ - Today eBay Canada announced the launch of the Oscar Peterson Auction. On the eve of his 90^th birthday, 25 of the late jazz virtuoso's prized possessions will be available at auction on eBay.ca/oscarpeterson, with a portion of proceeds donated to World Vision Canada.

Recognized as one of the world's most prolific musicians in jazz history, Montreal-born pianist and composer Oscar Peterson played alongside music legends like Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Ray Brown, Art Tatum and Ella Fitzgerald. Winner of eight Grammy Awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997, Peterson was the first recipient of the Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement and was a Companion of the Order of Canada.

Kelly Peterson, Oscar Peterson's widow and Trustee of his Estate, selected eBay for this exclusive auction to reach Oscar's international fanbase through eBay's global marketplace.

"We are honoured to be working with Kelly Peterson to offer some of Oscar's cherished items at auction on eBay," said Andrea Stairs, Managing Director of eBay Canada. "As the world's most vibrant marketplace, we're thrilled to give buyers an exclusive opportunity to own a piece of jazz history."

"To commemorate Oscar's 90^th birthday, we are delighted to share some of his iconic treasures with his beloved fans," said Kelly Peterson. "These sale items are a celebration of his life and love for jazz. Our family is committed to keeping his legacy alive while giving back to an organization that was close to Oscar's heart, World Vision Canada."

Today through to August 24^th, prized possessions including Peterson's Calrec Soundfield Microphone, Studio 49 midi keyboard, Teac Cassette deck, Korg OASYS synthesizer and a bespoke sports jacket worn at the Canada Post stamp unveiling with Diana Krall and Elvis Costello will be available for auction at eBay.ca/oscarpeterson.

To further commemorate Oscar Peterson's 90th birthday, Kelly Peterson has announced a world premiere recording of never-before heard original Oscar Peterson compositions by some of the most celebrated jazz artists in the world. The new recording "Oscar, With Love",  is available for pre-order at oscarwithlove.com. In addition, an exclusive musical experience will be auctioned off on eBay.ca/oscarpeterson: two pairs of tickets for the Oscar, With Love Toronto concert in December, a photo opportunity with the jazz legend's Bösendorfer Imperial Grand piano and a meet and greet with concert performers at the after party. 

About eBay:
eBay (NASDAQ: EBAY) is the world's most vibrant marketplace for discovering great value and unique selection. eBay connects millions of buyers and sellers around the globe, empowering people and creating opportunity through Connected Commerce. Our vision for commerce is one that is enabled by people, powered by technology and open to everyone. We partner but never compete with our sellers and create stronger connections between buyers and sellers with product experiences that are fast, mobile and secure. eBay is visited by more than 8 million unique Canadians per month (comScore Media Metrix: February, 2015). For more information, visit ebay.ca.

SOURCE eBay Canada

Image with caption: "Oscar Peterson in his studio with his Bösendorfer Imperial piano. Photo credit: Al Gilbert” (CNW Group/eBay Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150814_C8072_PHOTO_EN_476244.jpg

For further information: Andrée Gage, Edelman, [email protected], 416-849-3147; Camille Kowalewski, eBay Canada, [email protected], 416-969-2628