Role

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Conductor

 

Leslie Dala is a renowned Canadian conductor and pianist who has made a significant contribution to the classical music industry. Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1971, Dala showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He grew up in a musical family, with his mother being a piano teacher and his father a violinist. This early exposure to music helped shape Dala's passion for classical music, and he went on to pursue a career in the field. Dala received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of British Columbia, where he studied piano with Jane Coop and conducting with David Meek. He then went on to complete his Master of Music degree in piano performance at the University of Toronto, where he studied with Marietta Orlov. During his studies, Dala won several awards and scholarships, including the prestigious Canada Council for the Arts grant. After completing his studies, Dala began his career as a pianist, performing in various concerts and recitals across Canada and the United States. He also worked as a vocal coach and accompanist, collaborating with some of the most renowned singers in the industry. However, it was his passion for conducting that eventually led him to pursue a career in orchestral music. Dala's conducting career began in 1998 when he was appointed as the assistant conductor of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. He quickly rose through the ranks and was appointed as the associate conductor in 2001. During his time with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Dala conducted numerous concerts and performances, including the annual Christmas concerts, which became a highlight of the orchestra's season. In 2003, Dala was appointed as the music director of the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, a position he held until 2010. During his tenure, he transformed the orchestra into a vibrant and dynamic ensemble, attracting some of the best musicians in the region. He also introduced several innovative programs, including the "Symphony in the School" program, which brought classical music to elementary and high school students in the region. In 2006, Dala was appointed as the conductor of the Vancouver Bach Choir, one of Canada's premier choral ensembles. Under his leadership, the choir has performed some of the most challenging and complex choral works, including Bach's Mass in B Minor and Handel's Messiah. Dala's innovative approach to choral music has earned him critical acclaim, and he has been praised for his ability to bring out the best in his singers. Dala's reputation as a conductor continued to grow, and he was invited to guest conduct several orchestras across Canada and the United States. In 2010, he was appointed as the conductor of the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, a position he held until 2017. During his tenure, he led the orchestra in several critically acclaimed performances, including a tour of Western Canada with renowned violinist James Ehnes. In addition to his work as a conductor, Dala has also been active as a composer and arranger. He has written several works for orchestra and choir, including "The Gift of the Magi," a Christmas cantata that has been performed by several choirs across Canada. He has also arranged several works for orchestra, including a suite of music from the popular video game "Final Fantasy." Dala's contributions to the classical music industry have been recognized with several awards and honors.

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