Music News

Robi Botos named Royal Conservatory of Music’s first jazz artist in residence

By 2022/09/07

Robi Botos

The Royal Conservatory of Music has appointed Robi Botos to a three-year term as its inaugural jazz artist in residence.

Botos’s role in the jazz artist residency will be integrated into all aspects of the prestigious music school, including community outreach for the Oscar Peterson School of Music and involvement with the new Oscar Peterson Program, which offers tuition-free music instruction to underserved youth.

“Robi is a remarkable pianist and one of the greatest jazz musicians of our time. He will bring a new dimension and fresh perspective to our music programs,” said Peter Simon, president and CEO of the Royal Conservatory. “As a disciple of celebrated RCM alumnus Oscar Peterson, he is a wonderfully dynamic performer. In addition to jazz, Robi is rooted in the deep traditions of Romani, Hungarian and European folk and classical music. He will be an inspiration to aspiring young musicians and to the community at large.”

Botos has been hailed as one of the most sought-after pianists in Canada and one of the most diverse multi-instrumentalists of his generation. He has worked extensively with some of Canada’s most celebrated players, including Dave Young, Phil Dwyer, Archie Alleyne, Oliver Jones, Molly Johnson, Renee Rosnes, Sophie Milman, Paul Novotny, Carol Welsman and more. In addition to recording dozens of albums as a sideman and film composer, he has released six albums as a leader, winning a Juno Award in 2016 for Movin’ Forward.

“I am overjoyed to have been offered this position,” said Botos. “Oscar Peterson was an idol and mentor, and I’m extremely proud to be a part of the school and this new program. As a leader in Canadian arts and music education, the RCM is a vital part of this country’s social fabric. This is a tremendous opportunity and a role that I am honoured to serve.”