Biography
The life of Richard Wyce is all about artistic expression through music and media.
Richard Wyce is a Montreal-based professional cellist, music teacher, artist, photographer and writer with more than fifty years of experience in the arts.
A Life in Music and the Arts
Richard Wyce is a professional cellist, photographer, artist and writer whose creative journey began in England in 1952. Born into a family steeped in the arts, Richard’s father was a freelance writer, and his mother transitioned from a stage actress to an executive assistant when she got married.
Richard’s older sister, a former child actress, found her calling as a television playwright, while his older brother became a well-known busker in Amsterdam, captivating audiences with his street performances. This diverse family background fostered Richard’s deep appreciation for various forms of artistic expression.
Musical Journey
Even though Richard was brought up listening to classical music and jazz, the love of music and the arts really began when Richard went to secondary school in England where he was a member of the internationally known boys choir: Wandsworth School Boys Choir, which was patronized by Sir Benjamin Britten. As a choir member Richard performed in many international venues with many of the world’s greatest orchestras and conductors.
Find out more and hear more about Wandsworth School Boys Choir here:
Richard was also principal cello of the school orchestra and toured UK and Europe as a member of the London School Symphony Orchestra.
Most of his career has been dedicated to performing with orchestras and in recording studios, but he has also performed in many distinguished venues in several countries.
Other artistic pursuits at Wandsworth School:
Richard’s specialties in his senior years at Wandsworth were Music and Art. Following two years of intensive classes, he earned his Art A-Level.
Early Career in England
Richard’s first professional engagement was with the London Festival Ballet Orchestra. He then performed with the Ulster Orchestra and BBC Northern Ireland in Belfast. Following these experiences, Richard continued freelancing in London, collaborating with various shows and esteemed orchestras such as the BBC Radio Orchestra, BBC Concert Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the English National Orchestra along with many other British ensembles.
Emigration and Artistic Growth
At the end of 1975, Richard emigrated to Quebec City, Canada, where he continued his career as a freelance musician and began to grow as an artist and photographer. He played with the Orchestre de Chambre de Radio Canada and did some work with the Quebec Symphony. He also had his first Quebec exhibition of his paintings.
In 1981, Richard moved to Montréal, where he has remained until this day. He initially played with the Orchestre des Jeunes du Québec and then engaged in freelance work with various local orchestras, including the Orchestre Symphonique de Laval, Orchestre du Théâtre d’Art Lyrique de Laval, and the Orchestre Symphonique de la Montérégie. Richard also performed with a cello quartet, various other ensembles in North America, and more recently, with the Musicians of the World Symphony Orchestra.
Visual Arts and Photography
In addition to his musical talents, Richard is an accomplished photographer and artist. His photography includes landscapes, places and various other subjects. His artwork is often inspired by his travels and personal experiences, including places such as Cornwall, UK, Cape Cod, Québec City and Vermont, and reflects his continuing interest in the world around him.
Richard’s love for storytelling extends beyond music and visual arts. As a writer, he shares his observations, experiences and ideas about music, art, creativity and life. His writing reflects the same curiosity and desire for expression that have shaped his work as a musician and visual artist.