Owen Underhill

Owen Underhill is a versatile Canadian composer, conductor, flutist, and educator, born on January 26, 1954, in Regina. He has been a central figure in Canada's new music scene, particularly on the West Coast. Underhill studied composition at the University of Victoria and later at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. He has taught at Wilfrid Laurier University and Simon Fraser University, where he became a full professor and director of the Centre for the Arts. As a composer, his works often explore eclectic soundscapes and innovative approaches to tonality and polytonality. Underhill has led numerous ensembles, including the Vancouver New Music Society and the Turning Point Ensemble, which he co-founded. His compositions have been commissioned by various organizations, and he has received several awards for his work.

Underhill's music often reflects his interest in juxtaposing contrasting materials and exploring fresh tonalities. He has conducted performances across Canada and internationally, working with orchestras like the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and the National Arts Centre Orchestra. His compositions span a wide range of genres, from chamber music to orchestral works, and have been recorded by several ensembles. Underhill is also recognized for his interdisciplinary projects and collaborations with contemporary writers and historical texts. His contributions to Canadian music have been acknowledged through various awards and appointments, including being named an ambassador of the Canadian Music Centre.

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