Biography
Erik Kreem is an emerging Toronto-based composer and performer of Estonian heritage eager to share his dynamic artistic voice. Initially establishing his musical perspective as a solo pianist and broadening his artistic horizons as a cellist, vocalist, and accompanist, Erik has rapidly expanded his compositional oeuvre beyond the piano to encompass chamber, vocal, and large ensemble works. Erik’s music has been performed by the Kindred Spirits Orchestra, with whom he was composer-in-residence for 2020; the Cathedral Bluffs Symphony Orchestra, with whom he was apprentice conductor in 2019-20; Continuum Contemporary Music, as the winner of the 2018 Toronto Teen Composer Award; and numerous solo and chamber performers.
Erik’s accolades as a composer include first place and special-award wins at music festivals including Toronto’s Kiwanis Festival and Markham’s International Music Festival and Competition. He is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music composition at the University of Toronto, studying under Professor Norbert Palej, where he has been a recipient of the Elizabeth Burton Entrance Scholarship, the Arnold Walter Memorial Award, and the Fay Hethrington Scholarship.