Eliot Britton

Biography

Dr. Eliot Britton was appointed Assistant Professor of Composition and Music Technology & Digital Media at the University of Toronto in 2016. Dr. Britton integrates electronic and instrumental music though an energetic and colourful personal language. His creative output expresses an eclectic musical experience from gramophones to videogames, drum machines, orchestras and electronic chamber music. Rhythmic gadgetry, artistry, personal history and the colours of technology permeate his works. By drawing on these sound worlds and others, Dr. Britton's compositions tap the newly available resources of the twenty-first century. Passionate about Canadian musical culture, he seeks new and engaging aesthetic directions that connect with a post-digital audience.

A proud member of the Manitoba Metis Federation, Dr. Britton recently completed his PhD in music research and composition at the Schulich School of Music at McGill University under the supervision of Prof. Sean Ferguson. At McGill Britton worked as a course lecturer, researcher and composer-in-residence for numerous ensembles. He is the recipient of numerous prizes, including the SSHRC Bombardier Graduate Scholarship, Louis Riel Scholarship, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet Aspirant Program’s Emerging Composer Collaboration and, more recently, the Hugh Le Caine and Serge Garant SOCAN awards. 

Dr. Britton is co-director of Manitoba’s Cluster New Music and Integrated Arts Festival and continues to produce music for a variety of labels, companies and music houses. His upcoming projects include a commission from the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra titled “Heirloom Bison Culture” as well as a collaboration with Red Sky Dance Company and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.