John Peter (Jeep) Jeffries, General Director of Opera Lyra, announced today that Tyrone Paterson would be leaving the company when his contract ends at the conclusion of the current season. Maestro Paterson has worked at Opera Lyra for 16 years in various capacities, notably as Artistic Director. “We are deeply grateful to Tyrone Paterson for his many contributions to this company’s artistic growth and development. He has been instrumental in raising Opera Lyra’s artistic standards and its profile, nationally and internationally”, said Jeffries. Jeffries said that a search for Paterson’s successor will begin shortly and during the search the position could be filled on an interim basis. Maestro Paterson will likely appear with Opera Lyra as a guest conductor in the future. He has already been contracted to conduct Opera Lyra’s fall 2014 production of Giacomo Puccini’s musical masterpiece, Tosca. In speaking of Paterson’s tenure with Opera Lyra, Board Chair Victor Rabinovitch said, “Ty has served the company so well, in a variety of capacities, for so many years. He first appeared as a guest conductor in the spring of 1994. He joined the staff as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor 1998. For five years, from 1998 to 2003, he also served as General Director. His distinguished service in all of those capacities is deeply appreciated.” Paterson commented on the change by saying, “I am proud of the accomplishments that were achieved during my tenure with Opera Lyra. However, the time has come for me to pursue new dreams. I remain committed to exploring ways to create opportunities for rising opera talent in Canada and abroad, and to presenting this great art form in a manner that attracts today’s audiences.” Highlights of Maestro Tyrone Paterson’s career with Opera Lyra;
2014 will mark a personal anniversary: Maestro Paterson first appeared with Opera Lyra, to conduct Tosca in the spring of 1994. He will also conduct Opera Lyra’s upcoming spring 2014 production of Madama Butterfly, exactly twenty years after his first Ottawa appearance.
Will have served as Artistic Director and Principal Conductor for nearly sixteen years, from 1998 to 2014.
Will have cast and produced over 30 opera productions for Opera Lyra at the National Arts Centre and have conducted approximately 80 performances of those productions.
Served for five years as General Director, (1998-2003,) during which time, the company experienced 5 consecutive years of budget surpluses, eliminated 90% of its accumulated debt, increased number of donors and sponsors to then record levels, increased the overall size of the budget by 50% and elevated the artistic quality of the company’s presentations, as indicated by reports and reviews.
As a conductor, has led professional orchestras in many countries, including Austria, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, and the United States. Has also conducted for most of Canada’s leading companies, including Manitoba Opera, l’Opéra de Montréal, Vancouver Opera, Calgary Opera, Edmonton Opera, Pacific Opera Victoria, l’Opéra de Québec, Opera Saskatchewan and Opera Ontario.
Gave many Canadian artists opportunities to perform roles for the first time and introduced sixteen operas that were new to Opera Lyra’s repertoire on the main stage, as well as several others for its second stage and in-concert series, including two new commissions for the studio program.
The Opera Lyra Studio Program initiated under his direction has helped launch the careers of many Canadian singers toward bigger stages.
Will continue to serve as Music Advisor and Principal Conductor for Manitoba Opera, positions that he has held since 2004.
Sheilagh D’Arcy McGee, Media Relations/Opera Lyra smcgee@operalyra.ca 819-918-7443
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