Menon Dwarka

Menon Dwarka

Menon Dwarka is a composer, arts administrator and writer who has worked primarily in New York and Toronto. He is currently the managing director of 918 Bathurst, an arts sanctuary for new and experimental works in Toronto. Prior to his return to Toronto in 2013, Dwarka spent 18 years contributing to the cultural life of New York City, serving as music program director for the 92nd Street Y and Harlem School of the Arts and Greenwich House. As a composer, Dwarka was trained primarily in Toronto, where his family emigrated when he was 6 months old from Guyana. His music, which can best be described as post-colonial, reflects the many influences he encountered growing up as a Canadian of South Asian heritage. Recent works include “Leave to Remain”, for solo clarinet and electronics, "Tambura Ocean", a two hour and forty-five minute sound installation, "Coda" for chamber ensemble, premiered by Canada's Array Music, as well as “State of Grace”, a work in honour of Morton Subotnick’s 80th birthday, premiered by Steinway artist Jenny Lin.