Dean Burry

Dean Burry is an Assistant Professor at Queen’s University’s Dan School of Drama and Music, specializing in music composition and libretto writing. He holds degrees from Mount Allison University (B.Mus. in Saxophone Performance) and the University of Toronto (DMA in Composition, Mus.M. in Theory & Composition). As a leading composer of children’s opera and Canadian music, he has created over twelve theatrical works for young audiences, including the landmark opera The Brothers Grimm, performed over 600 times and recognized as the most performed Canadian opera. His works span orchestral pieces like Tracing Colville (inspired by WWII artist Alex Colville) and chamber music such as The Highwayman, released on Centrediscs/NAXOS. He also serves as founding Artistic Director of the Watershed Festival, Reimagining Music Theatre.

Education: DMA (Composition), University of Toronto; Mus.M. (Theory & Composition), University of Toronto; B.Mus. (Saxophone Performance), Mount Allison University.

Research interests include music for young audiences, Canadian identity in composition, and historical narratives through opera. Notable works include Shanawdithit (DORA Award-winning opera about Beothuk Nation history), Il Giudizio di Pigmalione (myth-based opera), and String Quartet No. 1 (exploring deafness and vibration in music). His outreach includes the Canadian Opera Company’s Education Department and the After-School Opera Program, engaging thousands of youth nationwide.

Recent achievements include the 2020 DORA Award for Shanawdithit, the 2011 Louis Applebaum Award, and commissions from institutions like the Kingston Symphony Orchestra and Canadian Children’s Opera Company. His works are performed internationally, with premieres in China, Slovenia, and Brazil.