Erin Patterson

Currently based in Boulder, Colorado, cellist Erin Patterson brings intentionality to music making as a performer, mentor, and educator. Her career has led her across the US, Canada, and Europe.

As cellist of the Altius Quartet, Erin has been invited to teach and perform at festivals such as the Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival, the Cincinnati Young Artists Chamber Music Festival, the Crested Butte Music Festival, the Lakes Area Music Festival, and the National Academy Orchestra of Canada. Erin has been a member of the Grammy nominated, all cello ensemble Uccello, performs regularly with both the Boulder Philharmonic, and serves as the principal cellist of the Boulder Symphony. She has also held positions in the Canadian Opera Company and the Dayton Philharmonic. Erin has appeared as a soloist with the Huntsville Symphony, the UBC Chamber Orchestra, and the CCM Orchestra. An avid supporter of the creation and realization of new music, Erin was a member of the Contemporary Music Ensembles at both McGill University and CCM, and is equally at home performing music spanning multiple
decades and genres.

Erin values education as one of the most important facets of her career. She is a Suzuki cello teacher and maintains an active studio in the Denver-Boulder area. With Altius, she has brought music to schools, prisons, retirement homes, cafes, yoga studios, and sensory friendly communities.

Erin holds degrees in cello performance from the University of Cincinnati College - Conservatory of Music and McGill University. Her most influential teachers include Alan Rafferty, Matt Hiamovitz and Avi Friedlander. When she is not teaching or performing, Erin enjoys spending time outdoors with her dog, Lilo, practicing yoga, and baking sourdough bread.

Erin plays on a cello made in 2002 by Michael Stürzenhofecker and a bow by François Malo.