The Toronto Symphony Orchestra and its Music Director Gustavo Gimeno have announced that Canadian composer Alison Yun-Fei Jiang has been chosen as the TSO’s new RBC Affiliate Composer. Described as a composer who creates “storytelling and musical experiences with a lyrical, dynamic and narrative nature”, Ms. Jiang explores “the intersections of cultures and genres by drawing inspirations and influences from a range of sources such as as East Asian aesthetics, Chinese opera, natural landscapes, Buddhism, art, film music, popular music and literature.”

The TSO Affiliate Composer position is an important and prestigious opportunity for an emerging composer in Canada, as it offers the opportunity to compose works for one of the country’s top orchestras and provides valuable insight into the inner workings of the orchestra. a large symphony orchestra, with full integration in all areas of the organization.

“Alison’s music is full of originality and color, and she has an important voice to share with our orchestra and audiences,” said music director Gustavo Gimeno. “We were impressed with Alison’s blend of cultures and genres into exciting melodies and textures and look forward to the works she will pen in the seasons to come.”

During her two-year tenure at the TSO, Ms. Jiang will compose two works for the Orchestra. His first work for the TSO will be premiered on May 24, 25 and 27, 2023 under the direction of Jader Bignamini. She will also engage in educational work with young audiences as part of the TSO’s community engagement programs, and help facilitate the TSO’s NextGen Composer initiative and other programs involving local and regional composers, including the renowned TSO’s Explore the Score music reading session.

“I look forward to learning and working with TSO Music Director Gustavo Gimeno, Compositing Advisor Gary Kulesha and the TSO artistic staff,” says Alison Yun-Fei Jiang. “And I’m so excited to join and serve the TSO community with my music.”

Earlier this year, the TSO launched an open call for applications which received an overwhelming response. Ms. Jiang was selected from a group of very talented Canadian composers working and studying across the country and abroad by a jury of TSO musicians, Music Director Gustavo Gimeno, staff and prominent composers. A highly sought-after position, this two-year residency promotes the development of artists and represents an important investment in the Canadian artistic community.

Alison Yun-Fei Jiang succeeds Emilie LeBel, who served as RBC Affiliate Composer at the TSO from September 2018 to June 2022. Ms. LeBel is now enjoying a thriving career with several commissions underway and a chamber music album titled Field Studies. will be released this fall.

About Alison Yun-Fei Jiang:

Canadian composer Alison Yun-Fei Jiang explores the intersections of cultures and genres drawing inspiration from a range of sources such as East Asian aesthetics, Chinese opera, natural landscapes, Buddhism, art, film music, popular music and literature, creating stories and musical experiences that are lyrical, dynamic and narrative in nature.

Alison was Crossroads Composer-in-Residence with Canada’s National Arts Center Orchestra (2020-22). She has collaborated with ensembles such as the Esprit Orchestra, National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, JACK Quartet, Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra, Imani Winds and Molinari Quartet. His music has been performed in Canada and across the United States, presented on CBC radio, at the Royal Conservatory of Music 21C Festival, and at the University of Toronto New Music Festival. Awards and honors come from the SOCAN Foundation, the Graham Sommer Competition for Young Composers, ASCAP, the American Prize and the International Alliance for Women in Music.

Alison holds degrees in music composition from the University of Chicago (Ph.D.), New York University (MM), and Manhattan School of Music (BM). Based in Toronto, Canada, her work has been generously supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the SOCAN Foundation and the Michael and Sonja Koerner Charitable Foundation.

For photos of Alison Yun-Fei Jiang and Emilie LeBel, please visit the TSO Publicity Photos page.

About the TSO:

One of Canada’s most respected arts organizations, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) celebrates its centennial season in 2022/23 and has played a vital role in the city’s vibrant cultural life for 100 years. Music Director Gustavo Gimeno brings expansive artistic vision, intellectual curiosity and a sense of adventure to the 93-piece orchestra’s lineup. The TSO is committed to serving local and national communities through dynamic performances, numerous educational activities and impactful community relations. He has a remarkable recording and broadcasting history and has been celebrated internationally on his extensive tours. The TSO remains synonymous with versatility and musical fulfillment, and artistic distinction.