Leslie Dala - solo piano
Leslie Dala is a conductor and pianist based in Vancouver, Canada, where he enjoys a multifaceted career spanning the genres of opera, symphonic music, choral and contemporary works. He is the Associate Conductor and Chorus Director with Vancouver Opera, Music Director of the Vancouver Bach Choir, and Music Director Emeritus of the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra.
On the podium, Leslie is known for his passionate, dynamic, and charismatic approach to music making. He has conducted in Europe, Asia, and throughout Canada and recently made his debut at Carnegie Hall and Santa Fe Opera. An advocate of contemporary music, Leslie has recorded works by Harry Somers and Jocelyn Morlock and conducted the Canadian premieres of works by John Adams (El Niño) and Steve Reich (You Are Variations, Daniel Variations).
During the long covid shutdown of 2020, he immersed himself in mastering the Philip Glass Piano Etudes, recording the project the following year.
Leslie’s Philip Glass: The Complete Piano Etudes was voted one of Canada’s Top 21 Classical Albums of 2021 by CBC Music.
“There is something about the music of Glass that defies our expectations, particularly when it comes to time and inevitability. The fluidity of this music is an instantly recognizable trademark of Glass’s works and his unapologetic embracing of triads and tonality have set him apart from most other composers of his generation. These pieces were a kind of personal meditation and soundtrack for the unforgettable year that was 2020 when the world as we knew it suddenly changed.” - Leslie Dala
Leslie is now bringing his solo piano work to new audiences live in concert.
"Dala has a natural pianistic affinity for Glass’ compositional language. He experiments with a wealth of colours found in these etudes but never strays away from the classical pianistic tradition. A strong percussive touch accentuates the fluid motion of the music. The result is an album that is refined and rich, natural in its expression." - Ivana Popovic, Whole Note
Leslie is also available with guest artists for performances of traditional and contemporary repertoire including Glass, Debussy, Satie and Radiohead.
