Famous Canadian Pianists

Diana Krall is a highly successful Canadian jazz pianist and singer, renowned for her rich contralto vocals. With over 15 million albums sold globally, she has achieved immense commercial success, particularly in the US where she has sold over six million albums. Krall's remarkable career includes numerous accolades, such as winning three Grammy Awards and eight Juno Awards. She holds the distinction of being the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart, solidifying her status as one of the best-selling artists of her time.

Oscar Peterson was a Canadian jazz pianist and composer known for his virtuosity and talent. Throughout his career spanning over 60 years, he released over 200 recordings, earned eight Grammy Awards, and received various accolades for his contributions to jazz music. He performed worldwide, collaborating with notable musicians in duos and trios, such as Ray Brown and Herb Ellis. Peterson's trio with Brown and Ellis was particularly acclaimed for its dynamic performances and studio recordings, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest jazz pianists of the twentieth century.

Glenn Gould was a renowned Canadian classical pianist known for his exceptional technical proficiency and interpretation of Johann Sebastian Bach's works. He rejected much of the Romantic piano literature in favor of composers like Bach and Beethoven, along with others spanning from pre-Baroque to 20th-century modernists. Gould was also a writer, broadcaster, and occasional composer and conductor. He created television programs on classical music, wrote for music journals, and produced radio documentaries. His eccentricities and unique approach to music set him apart in the classical music world.

Hélène Mercier-Arnault is a renowned pianist and chamber musician known for her exceptional performances at prestigious venues like the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées and Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. She has established collaborations with esteemed artists like Cyprien Katsaris, Vladimir Spivakov, and Zubin Mehta. Mercier-Arnault is highly respected in the classical music world for her talent and artistry on the piano. Her professional career is marked by numerous successful concerts and collaborations with world-class musicians, showcasing her dedication and passion for music.

Emily Haines is a versatile Canadian musician known for her roles as the lead singer, keyboardist, and songwriter of the rock band Metric, as well as her contributions to the musical collective Broken Social Scene. She has also pursued a successful solo career under her own name and as Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton. Haines is recognized for her mezzo-soprano vocal range, which adds depth and emotion to her music across various projects, showcasing her talent and creativity in the music industry.

Daniel Powter is a Canadian musician renowned for his self-penned hit song "Bad Day" in 2005, which dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks. His professional career has been defined by his musical talent and songwriting skills, earning him recognition as a successful artist. Powter's contribution to the music industry is highlighted by his ability to create impactful and memorable music that resonates with audiences worldwide. His work has solidified his position as a respected figure in the music business.

Matthew Arnold Thiessen is a renowned Canadian-born American musician recognized for his roles as co-founder, lead singer, guitarist, pianist, and primary songwriter of the rock band Relient K. With Relient K, he has produced eight full-length albums, with three receiving Gold certifications and three reaching the top twenty on the Billboard 200 chart. Apart from his work with Relient K, Thiessen leads a side project named Matthew Thiessen and the Earthquakes, which debuted with the album Wind Up Bird in 2018. Additionally, he co-produced and collaborated on Owl City's album Ocean Eyes in 2009.

Cœur de pirate, born Béatrice Mireille Martin, is a renowned Canadian singer-songwriter and pianist known for her stage name meaning Pirate's Heart in French. Hailing from Montreal, she predominantly sings in French and has been instrumental in introducing a new wave of French chanson to Quebec's younger audience. With a distinctive musical style, Cœur de pirate has garnered critical acclaim for her emotive and melodic compositions, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the francophone music scene and captivating audiences with her heartfelt performances.

Richard Manuel was a Canadian musician, singer, and songwriter renowned for his skills as a pianist and one of the lead vocalists in the Band. His singing style ranged from a soulful baritone reminiscent of Ray Charles to a gentle falsetto. As a member of the Band, Manuel shared lead and harmony vocal duties with his bandmates but was often considered the primary vocalist. His contributions to the group's sound were instrumental in their success, leading to his posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.

Corey Hart is a Canadian singer, musician, and songwriter with a successful career spanning over 35 years in the music industry. Known for hit singles like "Sunglasses at Night", "Never Surrender", and "It Ain't Enough", Hart has sold over 16 million records worldwide and recorded nine US Billboard Top 40 hits. He is a Grammy-nominated artist, inductee of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and Canada's Walk of Fame, and a multiple Juno award nominee and winner. Hart has also received recognition from ASCAP and SOCAN for his contributions to music.

Paul Bley was a Canadian jazz pianist renowned for his pioneering work in the free jazz movement of the 1960s and his significant impact on trio playing. He was also recognized for his early experimentation with Moog and ARP synthesizers in live performances. Bley's music, characterized as deeply original and aesthetically aggressive, has left a lasting influence on the jazz genre. Throughout his career, he produced a vast body of work, including influential recordings spanning several decades, showcasing his innovative approach to piano playing.

Daniel Lavoie is a Canadian musician, actor, and singer known for his hit song "Ils s'aiment" and his portrayal of Frollo in the musical Notre-Dame de Paris. He has a successful career releasing albums and performing on stage in both Canada and France. Lavoie is recognized for his talents not only in music but also in acting, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry. With regular tours in Canada and Europe, he continues to captivate audiences with his performances and musical releases.

Alberto Guerrero was a renowned Chilean composer, pianist, and teacher known for his significant impact on the world of music. He is best remembered for mentoring the legendary Canadian pianist Glenn Gould, but his influence extended to multiple generations of musicians during his time teaching at the Toronto Conservatory of Music. Guerrero's expertise and guidance shaped the artistic development of numerous students, leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry through his compositions, performances, and educational contributions.

Angela Hewitt is a renowned Canadian classical pianist celebrated for her exceptional Bach interpretations. With a distinguished career spanning decades, she has captivated audiences worldwide with her virtuosity and profound musical expression. Hewitt's performances are marked by her meticulous attention to detail, exquisite phrasing, and remarkable technical skill. She has garnered critical acclaim and numerous accolades for her recordings and live concerts, solidifying her reputation as one of the foremost interpreters of Bach's music in the contemporary classical music scene.

Đặng Thái Sơn is a Vietnamese-Canadian classical pianist known for his exceptional talent and artistry. His career reached new heights in 1980 when he achieved a historic victory at the X International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, making him the first pianist from Asia to win the prestigious competition. Sơn has garnered widespread praise for his profound interpretations of Chopin and the French repertoire, showcasing a remarkable blend of sonority and poetry in his performances. His professional life is marked by a dedication to excellence and a deep passion for music.

Igor Vasilyevich Ivanov was a prominent Russian-born chess grandmaster who defected from the Soviet Union to Canada in 1980. He achieved significant success in the chess world, winning the Canadian chess championship four times and representing Canada at an interzonal tournament for the world chess championship. Ivanov was a key member of the Canadian team at two Chess Olympiads and also excelled in the US Grand Prix, clinching the championship title nine times. His contributions to the chess community were highly regarded and cemented his legacy in the sport.