Erik Peterson
When not attempting to keep up with his three sons as they ski, bike, and hike, Erik Peterson performs as a member of the Colorado Symphony. A violinist with the Colorado Symphony since 1991, Erik is also Concertmaster of the chamber orchestra Up Close and Musical and the Emerald City Opera. During his spare time he serves as Artistic Director of the Chintimini Chamber Music Festival (www.chintimini.org) in Corvallis, Oregon.
Erik received his Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Iowa while studying with Leapold LaFosse. He has also studied with Andres Cardenes at the University of Michigan and with Camilla Wicks at Rice University. Erik has been a violinist with the Toledo Symphony, Principal Second Violin of the Des Moines Metro Opera, Assistant Concertmaster of the Toledo Opera, and Concertmaster of the Great Falls Symphony.
Erik is dedicated to chamber music performance and community outreach. He frequently visits Denver area public schools to perform for students with Up Close and Musical and also with the Ivy Street Ensemble with his wife, Colorado Symphony flutist Cathy Peterson, and Colorado Symphony violist Phillip Stevens. He has recently created a new Chamber Music Series presented by the Denver School of the Arts for the DSA students and community at large featuring Colorado Symphony musicians and other exciting musicians from around the country.
Erik maintains a private home teaching studio and works with young musicians of the Denver Young Artists Orchestra and at the Denver School of the Arts. Each June, Erik travels with his family to Oregon to enjoy the Pacific Ocean and for the Chintimini Chamber Music Festival, which he founded in 2001. Whether Erik is teaching or appearing as chamber musician, soloist, recitalist, or orchestral musician, he continues to strive to not let his boys get the best of him.