Musician spotlight: Richard Jatiouk

Richard Jatiouk was brought up in a music-loving family. The high school he attended in Toronto had an excellent music program which is where he started playing the tuba. He loved the deep, resonant, beautiful sound of the largest of the brass instruments. He soon discovered the amazing versatility and range of the tuba, and was hooked.

After high school Richard attended the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto where he studied with Charles Daellenbach of the Canadian Brass, and Claudio Engli.

Richard’s first orchestral playing experience was with the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra during its second year, followed by three years in the UofT Symphony. While at UofT he attended a summer Brass Quintet program in Banff, Alberta, and discovered the thrill of small ensemble performance. This remains a joy to this very day.

After graduation he got his teaching degree and spent 33 absolutely wonderful years as a high-school music teacher. During this time he traveled extensively with his high-school groups, performing in 16 countries including Australia.

Richard performed with the Oshawa Symphony for 30 years and started playing with the Oakville Symphony soon after moving to Oakville in 2009. He loves the quality & variety of repertoire, the very high standard of performance, and the camaraderie with his fellow musicians. He particularly enjoys the holiday atmosphere of the orchestra’s annual Christmas concerts.

He retired from teaching seven years ago and remains happily involved in music. In addition to playing with the Oakville Symphony, Richard is active with freelance engagements, plays with the Intrada Brass of Oakville, the Falgarwood Brass Quintet, guest conducts the Royal Canadian Legion Band, and adjudicates music festivals.

His advice to young players is to surround yourself with others who love to play music and commit yourself to mastering your instrument. Ironically, the more serious you get about making music, the more fun and satisfying it becomes.

Richard has dearly missed playing with the orchestra and other groups during the pandemic and is excited to return once it is deemed safe to do so. He has kept busy during this time with his hobbies, biking and happily spending time with his four beautiful grandchildren.

With thanks to Jill Yokoyama, OS Development Committee