Richard Burrows

Principal Timpani

Richard Burrows is a distinguished percussionist known for dynamic performances and an innovative approach to contemporary classical music. With more than two decades of professional experience, he has become a respected leader in the percussion community, admired for versatility, technical precision, and dedication to expanding the art form. He is the director of percussion at the Don Wright Faculty of Music, Western University. Burrows is a founding member of the TorQ Percussion Quartet, which has toured internationally and collaborated with major orchestras including the Toronto Symphony and Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal. He is also a solo performer, educator, and Artistic Director of the Open Ears Festival, where he champions adventurous contemporary music. Through performances, recordings, and education initiatives, he continues to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide with passion and creativity.

What inspired you to pick up your instrument for the first time, and how has your journey evolved since then?
I grew up in a small railroad town outside of Ottawa which had a local drum and bugle corps. They would practice in the park and one time my buddies and I were playing near where they were practicing, and hey dared me to pick up one of the drums, so I did. I thought I was going to get in trouble, but instead I was invited to come out to a practice.

Can you share a memorable performance moment that still resonates with you today?
I performed at the 2006 Commonwealth Games with a percussion show called ScrapArtsMusic. Our feature concert was in the park and there were thousands of people in attendance. I'll never forget performing and they lit up the audience which caused them to scream in celebration. It was pure rock n' roll energy.

Who is your favourite composer, and what piece of theirs do you love playing the most?
Shostakovich. Symphony no 5 or 10 has epic percussion parts.

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring musicians?
Advice I often give freelancing musicians is the 2 out of 3 rule. You need 2 of good music, good money, and/or good people to make the gig worth your efforts.

If you could have a dinner party with any musician, living or deceased, who would they be and why?
I would love to have a dinner party with John Cage. I think he would have such an interesting perspective of all things including music.

What is your favourite GSO memory?
I quite enjoyed having an opportunity to perform the Planets. The Jupiter timpani part is particularly difficult and one of those excerpts you practice forever, but don't always get a chance to perform. It was a nice bucket list moment.

Favourite travel destination or place to visit? I'm a big fan of Thailand, and Italy.

If your favourite animal/pet could conduct the orchestra, how might their unique personality influence the music? We love pugs. They are such clowns, but super lazy. It would be hilarious to watch the orchestra start off with such energy, but then drag the tempo down to a snore by the end.

If you couldn’t be a musician, what would you want to do? Sommelier