Chan Ka Nin
composer

Chan Ka Nin was born in Hong Kong and moved with his family to Vancouver in 1965. At the University of British Columbia he studied composition with Jean Coulthard while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. Twice winner of Juno Awards for Best Classical Composition, Ka Nin’s works have been performed by ensembles and artists such as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Orchestra, CBC Vancouver Orchestra, Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Esprit Orchestra, Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, Orchestra London Canada, Symphony Nova Scotia, Amici, Mirò Quartet, Purcell Quartet, Rivka Golani and Lawrence Cherney. His numerous international awards include Béla Bartók International Composers’ Competition, Barlow International Competitions, International Horn Society Composition Contest, Jean Chalmers Award, PROCAN Young Composers’ Competition and Amherst Saxophone Quartet Composition Competition. Since 1982, he has been teaching theory and composition at the University of Toronto. Characteristically luminous in texture and exotic in instrumental colors, Ka Nin’s music has been described by critics as “sensuous,” “haunting,” and “intricate.”

For Peggy Baker Dance Projects: Ka Nin compositions I think that I shall never see… and Soulmate were the scores for Sylvan Quartet and Words Fail respectively.