Biography
Known for his impeccable musicianship and professionalism, Jean Norman Iadeluca is a fixture of the Hamilton arts and culture scene. He has held the position of Principal Timpanist with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra for 47 seasons. Over his extensive career, he has performed with the Montréal Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Winnipeg Ballet, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, McGill Chamber Orchestra, and the Expo ’67 Orchestra during the Montréal World Fair. Jean Norman is a Zildjian artist who has been sponsored by the company for over 20 years.
Originally from Montréal, Jean Norman began to play drum set at the age of 14. He began studying with Roger Pelletier when he was 15, attending school in the daytime and performing jazz and rhythm & blues on evenings and weekends. At 17, Jean Norman was accepted into the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal where he studied in the class of Louis Charbonneau. In May 1971, he won first prize in Timpani and Percussion from the Conservatory. That same month, he won an audition for Principal Timpani with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he holds to this day. At 23, he was the youngest Principal Timpani in the country.
In addition to performing, education and mentorship have been important facets of Jean Norman’s career. He established a timpani and percussion course at Mohawk College in 1973 and also taught at Redeemer University College. In 1982, he formed The Canadian Percussion Ensemble with his former student Ernest Porthouse. The educational percussion duo toured schools throughout southern Ontario, delighting students with demonstrations of over 50 percussion instruments. Tonight’s concerto marks the 561st performance for Jean Norman and Ernest together.
Jean Norman has recently retired from the Toronto Operetta, as well as from the National Academy Orchestra where he served as a percussion mentor for 29 years. He is an avid tennis player who has won 38 tournaments at the Class A level. He is most happy to be close to his family and four grandchildren here in Hamilton.