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Patricia Adams (née Straughan), violinist (born 19 December 1925 in Kerrobert, SK; died 20 June 2026 in Alliston, ON). In her career spanning 60 years, Adams played for the Victoria Symphony, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Canadian Opera Company, National Ballet of Canada and Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
Career Highlights
Born in Kerrobert, Ontario, Patricia Adams moved to Victoria, BC, in her youth. A pupil of Jean de Rimanoczy, Gregori Garbovitsky, Jascha Galperin, and Kathleen Parlow, Patricia Adams was concertmistress of the Victoria Symphony at 17. In 1943 she obtained her Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music (LRSM). She later played in the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (1946–49), the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (1951–58; 1985–56), and the National Ballet of Canada orchestra (1951–76).
She was also manager-contractor and principal second violin for the Canadian Opera Company orchestra (1977–85).
Personal Life
Patricia Adams married baritone and administrator Ernest Adams, star of the Ernest Adams Show on CBC radio. The couple moved to Toronto and had two daughters, Tricia and Jolie. After retiring from her successful musical career, Adams spent her time gardening and taking care of rescue animals at her farm in King City, 40 km north of Toronto.
