Patricia Kathleen Leonard

A native of Boston, Patricia Leonard’s early musical training began with piano studies, followed by composition studies at The New England Conservatory. She received a degree in Composition from The Boston Conservatory of Music. Principal composition teachers include Larry Thomas Bell and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Del Tredici.

Ms. Leonard’s music is performed frequently in the U.S. and in Europe, and her music has been premiered by acclaimed ensembles and artists such as the New York Piano Quintet, featuring members of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; Broadway singer Timothy Shew; Grammy Award-winning clarinetist Eddie Daniels and renowned contemporary music pianist Christopher Oldfather.

In recent news, her completed song cycle “My Dearest Friend – The Letters of John and Abigail Adams” for orchestra, soprano and baritone will feature Metropolitan Opera soprano Wendy Bryn Harmer as Abigail. Ms. Leonard is currently a semi-finalist for the American Prize in Composition for her piano trio Strangely Close, Yet Distant; this trio is featured on a special Mahler Anniversary CD released in September 2012. Strangely Close, Yet Distant was nominated for the American Prize in Composition.

Ms. Leonard's compositions have been reviewed as “arresting and evocative with innovative harmonies” by New York Concert Review; the New Music Connoisseur reviewed her musical style as “revealing musical sophistication and a high level of craftsmanship” and “wildly imaginative and vivid storytelling with virtuosic variety.”

Ms. Leonard is a founding member of New York Composers Circle and shared the group’s inaugural concert in May 2003 with guest composer, David Del Tredici. She is also a Board member of The League of Composers/ISCM, and a member of International Alliance of Women in Music.