Dinuk Wijeratne

Sri Lankan-born Canadian Dinuk Wijeratne is a JUNO and multi-award-winning composer, conductor, and pianist described by the New York Times as “exuberantly creative” and by the Toronto Star as “an artist who reflects a positive vision of our cultural future.” His boundary-crossing work spans symphony orchestras, string quartets, tabla players, and DJs, performing at venues from the Berlin Philharmonie to the North Sea Jazz Festival.

Dinuk made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2004 as a composer, conductor, and pianist performing with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble, returning in 2009 alongside tabla legend Zakir Hussain. He has performed at prestigious venues worldwide, including Kennedy Center, Opéra Bastille, and Lincoln Center.

After studying composition at the Royal Northern College of Music (UK), he joined Oscar-winner John Corigliano’s studio at Juilliard, followed by conducting studies at Mannes College and doctoral work at the University of Toronto.

Dinuk is the only artist to serve as both Conductor-in-Residence and Composer-in-Residence of a Canadian orchestra (Symphony Nova Scotia). His accolades include the Canada Council Jean-Marie Beaudet award, NS Established Artist Award, and the Sir John Manduell Prize. As a passionate educator and Creativity Consultant, he helps emerging classical artists navigate today’s complex music industry.