Dr. Kathleen Allan

Biography

Kathleen Allan is the Artistic and Executive Director of the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto and a faculty member at the University of Toronto's music department. With a strong background as a guest conductor, commissioned composer, and clinician, she has established a reputation for her expertise in both early and contemporary orchestral repertoire. Since beginning her tenure with the Amadeus Choir in 2019, Allan has commissioned numerous new works and founded the Choral Creation Lab to support emerging composers and poets in partnership with diverse artists and ensembles in the Greater Toronto Area. She previously served as the Artistic Director of Canzona, Winnipeg’s professional Baroque choir, and has conducted masterworks from the Baroque era. Allan is known for her historically-informed performance practice and her ability to create contemporary relevance for historical works. She has conducted various prestigious orchestras across Canada and made her Asian debut in 2015. Allan’s compositions are often inspired by her Celtic roots and incorporate contemporary rhythms with traditional undertones. A passionate educator, she has taught conducting at Western University and leads the Soprano-Alto Chorus at the University of Toronto.

Research Interests