Ty Paterson Celebrates Two Decades as Music Advisor & Principal Conductor
Maestro Tyrone Paterson is celebrating his 21st anniversary as Manitoba Opera’s Music Advisor & Principal Conductor.
Appointed to this role in November 2004, Maestro Paterson has conducted almost every company production during this time. Bohème marks his 31st production with the company. His connection to MO actually goes back 32 years with his first gig here conducting Madama Butterfly in 1993.
“Manitoba Opera has played a huge role in my development as a conductor, and I was honoured to be asked by Larry Desrochers to join the leadership team in 2004 as music advisor and principal conductor,” says Maestro Paterson. “Over the years, we have performed many wonderful productions for Winnipeg audiences.It has been my privilege to conduct the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, one of Canada’s top professional orchestras.” “Working with Tyrone Paterson over the past two decades has been a privilege,” commented Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO. “His musicianship, dedication, and good humor have made a lasting impact on Manitoba Opera and on all of us who have had the pleasure of collaborating with him. I’m grateful for his contributions and friendship.”
Considered one of Canada’s finest opera conductors, Maestro Paterson had his professional conducting debut leading the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 25.
Over the course of his career, Maestro Paterson has conducted over 130 opera productions in nine countries, with 100 of them in Canada. As artistic director and principal conductor for Opera Lyra Ottawa from 1998 to 2014, he led the National Arts Centre Orchestra in the pit. Early in his career, he served as resident conductor for Calgary Opera and was also, at different times, the director of production for the company and their artistic administrator.
His teaching experience includes lecturing, coaching, and leading performances at Western University, University of Calgary, and the University of British Columbia, as well as being the music director of the Calgary Youth Orchestra and a staff conductor with the Calgary Boys’ Choir.
Jazz is now a new-found passion for the maestro. He plays piano and trombone.
“The closure of the theatres during the COVID-19 pandemic created an opportunity for me to turn my attention to the world of jazz, and I love every minute of it. I can’t wait to get up each morning to practice jazz improvisation!”Maestro Paterson returns as guest conductor for next fall’s production of Tosca.
Image caption:
Tyrone Paterson receives a Certificate of Achievement award at the 50th Season Anniversary Concert, February 2023. Seen here with Judith Chambers, Chair and Larry Desrochers, General Director & CEO. Photo: L. Norman
Ty just before conducting opening night of La boheme:
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