Biography

Tony K.T. Leung is a Canadian composer/cellist, whose music has been performed internationally by leading contemporary music ensembles. Born in Hong Kong, Tony discovered music through his first instrument, the erhu, and later the cello. As a youth, he arranged music for a Chinese orchestra, which sparked an early interest in western music and composition. After decades of primarily acoustic works, he currently explores technology-based musical expression.

In 2003, his chamber music “Six Degrees of Separation” was selected for the ALEA III International Composition Competition finalist concert in Boston. From 2009 to 2018, he served as Composer-in-Residence at Toronto Chinese Orchestra. As a conductor, he has directed Dim Sum Ensemble, Toronto Chinese Orchestra, and Hong Kong Juvenile & Youth Chinese Classical Orchestra.

Tony K.T. Leung is a member of the Canadian Music Centre, Hong Kong Composers’ Guild, and SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers of Canada).

Discography

Awards/Commissions/Grants

• 2024 – Nominated for Dora Mavor Moore Award: “Outstanding Original Sound Composition” in Dance
• 2023 – Ontario Arts Council grant
• 2023 – Littler Pear Garden Dance Company commission
• 2022 – Littler Pear Garden Dance Company commission
• 2016 – Hong Kong Composers’ Guild commission
• 2016 – Toronto Chinese Orchestra commission
• 2015 – Toronto Chinese Orchestra commission
• 2014 – RHCCC commission
• 2013 – Hong Kong Composers’ Guild commission
• 2013 – Toronto Chinese Orchestra commission
• 2012 – Toronto Chinese Orchestra commission
• 2012 – Canada Council for the Arts grant
• 2012 – Toronto Chinese Orchestra commission
• 2011 – Toronto Chinese Orchestra commission
• 2010 – Toronto Chinese Orchestra commission
• 2009 – Canada Council for the Arts
• 2007 – Sound Travels residency, New Adventures in Sound Art
• 2006 – Canada Council for the Arts grant
• 2006 – Arraymusic Young Composers’ Workshop
• 2006 – Canada Council for the Arts grant
• 2004 – Toronto Arts Council Music Creators and Composers Program
• 2003 – Toronto Arts Council Music Creators and Composers Program
• 2003 – Canada Council for the Arts grant
• 2003 – Vancouver Chinese Music Ensemble commission
• 2002 – Canada Council for the Arts grant
• 2001 – Toronto Arts Council Music Creators and Composers Program
• 1996 – First prize in the Peel Music Festival for composition
• 1991 – Two first prizes in the Kawanis Music Festival for composition

Affiliations

• CMC (Canadian Music Centre)
• CFAMC (Christian Fellowship of Art Music Composers)
• CLC (Canadian League of Composers)
• Hong Kong Composers’ Guild
• SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers of Canada)

Performances/broadcasts (including upcoming)