Graham Flett is a diverse composer who has written for numerous musicians and groups in Europe, Canada, and the USA. He has established a repertoire of pieces for small and large ensembles, including compositions for vocalists, bands, soloists, film and theatre, operetta as well as experimental works. His music frequently features a sense of mystery, subtle humour, and an unpredictability that is at balance with the rational and the playful. Flett enjoys exploring the limits and expectations of certain musical styles, specifically to determine how music can be creatively combined or critically dismantled.
He holds a PhD in Music Composition from Brunel University (UK). His advisors were Christopher Fox (principal) and Michael Finnissy (external). Additional qualifications include a Master’s in Composition from the Royal Conservatory of the Hague (Netherlands), notable teachers here included Gilius van Bergeijk and Cornelis de Bondt. He also has a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts (music) from York University (Toronto) where he studied composition with James Tenney and David Mott.
Flett has worked with notable ensembles such as the ASKO Schoenberg, Nieuw Ensemble, Ensemble Aleph, Ensemble Mise-En, New European Ensemble, the Kroumata Percussion Ensemble, Quatour Bozzini, The Gryphon Trio, Modelo62, CONTACT Contemporary, Ensemble Klang, Ensemble Aventa, Gelders Orkest, and soloists such as Remy van Kesteren, and Claron McFadden. He has won awards and grants from the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds, the Canada Council for the Arts (Robert Fleming Prize, J.B.C. Watkins Award) and also has received an honourable mention in Canada’s annual Jules Léger competition.
