Conductor Eric Paetkau is known for his intense musicality, musical integrity, and vibrant performances.  As Music Director and founder of group of twenty-seven and recently appointed Resident Conductor of the Quebec-based Les Violons du Roy, Mr. Paetkau has displayed his gift for connecting with audiences and bringing the music to life in an electrifying way.   Formerly a violist, Mr. Paetkau was a member of the Nuremburg Symphony in Germany, and played regularly with such orchestras as the Toronto Symphony, Canadian Opera Company, the National Ballet, Les Violons du Roy, and Tafelmusik.  He has performed around the world in such well-known venues as Carnegie Hall, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Boston’s Symphony Hall, Los Angeles’ Disney Hall, among many others.  He has also made many recordings on such labels as Virgin Classics, Dorian, Naxos, CBC and ATMA.

Mr. Paetkau received his early musical training in Canada with Lorand Fenyves and later with Steven Dann.  He then continued his studies at the New England Conservatory in Boston and in Munich, Germany.  Mr. Paetkau also studied conducting under Jac van Steen in the Netherlands and Kenneth Kiesler in North America.