Elvis present as Diana Krall is made honourary PhD
National Post, 2003-11-13

 

Krall granted honourary PhD from

UVic

Wednesday, November 12, 2003

It's been a good year for Diana Krall. The jazz musician from Nanaimo has received the Order of B.C. and become engaged to music legend Elvis Costello.

Wednesday she got another feather in her cap when she was granted an honourary doctorate in fine arts from the University of Victoria.

Krall chose to make a musical address instead of delivering a formal speech. She performed Gravy Waltz, a piece written by one of her best-loved teachers, Ray Brown of the Oscar Peterson Trio. She also performed for the first time a song she wrote about Vancouver Island.

Krall told the graduates she is a life-long learner.

"I'm still learning. I'm still going to school, finding different mentors as they move along by you," Krall said. "I'd like to thank everybody. This means a lot to me."

Accolades are nothing new for Krall. She has won Grammy and Juno awards and performed with some of the most celebrated artists in both jazz and pop music.

Costello was in the audience to watch his fiance accept her honourary degree. Krall's father and sister were also in attendance.

"It's a wonderful honour," Costello said. "As her mother had a degree from this university, it's special to her."

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