Dr. Omar Daniel

Biography

Omar Daniel is an Associate Professor in the Don Wright Faculty of Music at Western University. He obtained his Doctor of Music degree in music theory and composition from the University of Toronto in 1995 and joined the Faculty in 2000. Dr. Daniel teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses focusing on composition, electronic music, analysis, and orchestration. He is an active composer, having extensively written for solo, chamber, electronic, orchestral, and operatic forms. Daniel has received commissions from leading Canadian ensembles and performing organizations. His notable composition awards include the CBC Young Composer's Competition, the SOCAN Composer's Competition, and the K.M. Hunter Arts Award, and he was the recipient of the Jules Lèger Award for New Chamber Music in 1997. His research interests lie in the intersection of music drama and opera, with critically acclaimed works such as the opera 'Shadow' which premiered in 2007. Currently, he is conceptualizing a new opera based on an Estonian folk tale. His analytical focus includes composers from Northern and Eastern Europe. Recent recordings of his music, such as 'Land’s End Performs Music Omar Daniel' and 'Kickin’ 2.0', have been released, and he has a new recording of string music with violinist Erika Raum.

Research Interests