Vic Vogel

Vic started playing piano by ear at the age of 5. His favorite pastime was conducting the live jazz programs on radio in the early 1940's. By the age of 14, he was a feature soloist on the same stations across the country. He started performing in the Montreal area nightclubs at 16 years old and saved enough money to buy a second-hand Steinway Concert Grand piano.

After several months of continuous exposure to his newly acquired instrument, Vic decided it was time for professional guidance. Mr. Vogel sought help from Paul de Marky who was at the time Oscar Peterson's teacher. Due to his failing health, de Marky recommended his colleague Michel Hirvy. It was under Hirvy's influence that Vogel was able to focus on composing and arranging.

Vic Vogel's accomplishments and recognitions are very numerous and include gold and platinum albums as well as an award winning score for the official ceremonies of the 1976 Olympic games in Montreal. In May 1993, Vic Vogel released his first piano solo album a major breakthrough consisting mostly of original material which was nominated for a Felix and Juno Award. He has performed with Dizzy Gillespie, Maynard Ferguson, Jerry Mulligan, Slide Hampton, Cannonball Adderly, Chucho Valdés, Mel Torme and many other great performers in the jazz world. During his career Vic Vogel has also accompanied Tony Bennett, Eartha Kitt, Andy Williams, Ann Margaret, Paul Anka, Sammy Davis, Jr. Jerry Lewis, Shirley Maclaine, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and Michel LeGrand.

Vic Vogel is the only musician to perform 21 consecutive years at the world's best jazz event, The International Jazz Festival of Montreal.

A man of all seasons and of multiple talents, Vic Vogel is the epitome of a modern day jazz composer, arranger/conductor continuously evolving and working to achieve higher standards for jazz and its musicians

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