about

 Conductor and pianist, Leslie Dala enjoys a multifaceted career spanning the genres of opera, symphonic music, choral and contemporary works. On the podium, he is known for his passionate, dynamic, and charismatic approach to music making. Named one of the top ten artistic leaders by the Vancouver Sun, Leslie is well known nationally with guest conducting appearances with orchestras and opera companies across the country. Internationally, he has performed in such countries as France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Ireland, the Czech Republic, China, Taiwan and the US including recent appearances at Carnegie Hall. In the 2026/27 season, he joins Houston Grand Opera as Assistant/Cover conductor, while continuing his long-standing work in a similar capacity at the Santa Fe Opera, where he is entering his ninth season. This summer, he had the distinct pleasure of working with Anna Netrebko, preparing and coaching the role of Judit in Bartók’s Bluebeard’s Castle. 

Leslie presently holds the positions of Music Director of the Vancouver Bach Choir, the Associate Conductor and Chorus Director of Vancouver Opera, and the Music Director Emeritus of the Vancouver Academy of Music Symphony Orchestra. Recently he conducted Vancouver Opera’s production of Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman, the Canadian premiere of George Benjamin’s Into the Little Hill produced by Astrolabe Musik Theatre, and the world premiere of Frank Horvat’s Memories of Self Isolation with the Vancouver Bach Choir.

As a pianist, Leslie regularly appears in recital and has partnered with singers, including Russel Braun, Krisztina Szabo, Benjamin Butterfield, Rachel Fenlon, and Asitha Tennekoon. In 2021, Leslie recorded the complete Etudes of Philip Glass which is available on the Redshift label and on all of the major streaming platforms. It was named by CBC Radio as one of the top 21 Classical recordings of 2021. His 2022 recording of Nikolai Korndorf’s The Smile of Maud Lewis also made the CBC list for top 22 Classical recordings in addition to being named one of the Critic’s Choice Favourite Album’s of 2022 by Gramophone Magazine.

Career highlights include conducting the Canadian premiere of John Adams’ Oratorio El Nino, the Canadian premiere of Steve Reich’s You are Variations and Daniel Variations, the world premieres of Brian Current’s River of Light, James Rolfe’s and Morris Panych’s opera The Overcoat, and Neil Weisensel and Shane Koyczan’s opera Stickboy. As a conductor, he has collaborated with such notable artists as Gregory Kunde, Richard Margison, Measha Brueggergosman, Adrianne Pieczonka and Etienne Dupuis. Other highlights include concerts with Sarah McLachlan and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in addition to leading the Toronto Symphony Orchestra with guest artists the Indigo Girls.