 Upon graduation, he moved to Philadelphia, where he performed opera and musical theater, and became involved in the LGBA band community, helping to found the Philadelphia Freedom Band, Eric led the 1992 LGBA spring conference in Philadelphia, conducted a world premiere in the conference concert, and also guest-conducted Baltimore's Star-Spangled Band. Moving to New York City, he joined the Big Apple Corps, then stepped up to its podium in 1998. Eric led the BAC for seven seasons in over 20 concerts, including its Carnegie Hall debut, and was honored beyond belief when, the day of his farewell concert, Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields declared it to be Maestro Eric Peterson Day. Eric continues to work with LGBA, leading chamber music workshops at the 2008 LGBA national conference, guest-conducting at the BAC's 30th anniversary concert and guest-conducting QUO's November 2010 concert, Jubilation. A Gilbert & Sullivan enthusiast since he played The Learned Judge at sixteen, Eric is an active Savoynetter who has traveled up and down the east coast to sing through the canon with like-minded folk. He is a member of the New York G&S Society, where he has performed many times, and of the Blue Hill Troupe, where he has appeared in Yeomen, Sorcerer and Thespis and music-directed Mame and Forum. With Troupers Light Opera, he has conducted The Gondoliers, Die Fledermaus and Gilbert & Sullivan on Wall Street and is currently in production for this spring's The Mikado. This summer, Eric will make his international debut conducting the Savoynet Performing Group's production of The Sorcerer at the annual International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in Buxton, England. Eric also has over 20 years experience as an Information Technology professional. He lives in historic Jackson Heights, Queens with his partner, Charles Keiser. |