About Melvin Peters

Professional Jazz Pianist
Melvin Peters is a distinguished jazz pianist, composer, arranger, educator, and church organist. He began his musical journey at the age of six with classical piano lessons, studying under prominent tutors such as Prof. Hubert van der Spuy and Isabella Stengel. In 1983, while pursuing a Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Natal, he transitioned to jazz piano, learning from the esteemed Darius Brubeck.
After earning a Master of Music degree in Jazz Performance in 1989, Peters became a lecturer in Jazz Studies at the University of Durban-Westville, a position he held for ten years. His academic pursuits led him to a scholarship at Harvard University in 1998, further enriching his musical expertise.
Peters has enjoyed a prolific performance career across Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States, collaborating with some of South Africa’s top musicians, including Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Barney Rachabane, Duke Makasi, Tandie Klaasen, Eve Boswell, Gloria Bosman, and the legendary Abdullah Ibrahim. Notable personal highlights include sharing the stage with American jazz guitarist Herb Ellis at the Durban International Music Festival in 1993 and performing alongside jazz pianist Dave Brubeck at Harvard University in 1999. He also collaborated with English drummer Ginger Baker at the Southern Cross Festival in 2000.
His orchestral performances include premiering Noel Stockton’s composition “Invictus” with the Free State Symphony Orchestra in 2004 and participating in the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra’s “Festive Season Extravaganza” in the same year. Peters has also contributed to various significant performances, including directing the “Feeling Good” show at Ushaka in 2008, performing at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown with Quattro Fusion in 2011, and participating in the inaugural International UNISA Jazz School in 2012.
 

 

Currently, Peters serves as the jazz examiner for the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of South Africa. He has been the organist and choirmaster at St. Paul’s Church in Durban for the past twenty years. His discography includes notable contributions to projects like the Jazzanians, Counterculture, and Quattro Fusion. He is also active on various boards, including UKUSA (Community Music School), UMTHOMBO (Street Children’s Project), and KZNPAT (KwaZulu-Natal Performing Arts Trust).

Awards And Recognition

A “Special Award” from the Samro Endowment for the National Arts in 2009 for his excellence as an accompanist at the Samro Overseas Scholarship Competition.
The Living Legends Award from the EThekwini Municipality in 2010, recognizing his significant contributions to the musical landscape of Durban and South Africa.
The “Order of the Holy Nativity” in 2011 for his contributions to church music.

International Performances

Peters has showcased his talent internationally, particularly in Europe and the United Kingdom. In 2013, he performed in Spain and collaborated with English musicians in Liverpool in 2018. Over the past decade, he has been invited to perform in Germany as part of the Durban-Bremen Partnership, with his latest visit to Bremen occurring in April 2024, where he conducted workshops on South African jazz in various schools. This year, the Melvin Peters Quartet was invited to perform at the Jazz Ahead Festival in Bremen, highlighting his ongoing impact on the global jazz scene.