Christopher Leedham (b. 1981, Torquay) is a composer and conductor currently based in York, UK. His compositional interests lie in formulating narrative threads in abstract musical structures and the development of complex musical webs utilising only the simplest of musical ideas. He holds a PhD from the University of York, completed under the supervision of Roger Marsh, having previously studied at the London College of Music and Media with Francis Pott and Laurence Roman, and at the University of Oxford with Guy Newbury and Robert Saxton.

Christopher’s works have been broadcast on BBC Radio and Television, and have been performed internationally by groups such as the Kreutzer Quartet, Bryn Athyn Cathedral Choir, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Manchester Chamber Choir, The 24, Cantores Olicanae, University of York Symphony Orchestra, The Chimera Ensemble, The Vertigo Project, and Dark Inventions. He has taken part in composition workshops with the Allegri String Quartet, the Kreutzer Quartet, Sarah Watts, and the Dr K Sextet at the Cheltenham Composers’ Academy. He has received commissions from Paignton and South Devon Choir, Late Music Festival, Torquay Boys’ Grammar School, and South Devon Music Centre. His works have been recorded by The 24 (Boreas) and Dark Inventions.

Prizes include: finalist in the Lloyds Bank BBC Young Composer of Year competition, LCMM Postgraduate Composition Prize, Lyons Celebration Award 2010, and Sound and Music Composer-Curator 2013.

Christopher is Artistic Director and co-founder of Dark Inventions – a new music group dedicated to creating innovative programmes presenting contemporary music in unusual and diverse contexts. As a conductor and pianist, Christopher has appeared at venues across the country including: The Forge, Camden; Capstone Theatre, Liverpool; The Engine House, Manchester; and at the Edinburgh Fringe. He recently appeared on BBC Radio 3’s In Tune, discussing the work of Dark Inventions and conducting the broadcast premiere of Philip Cashian’s Firewheel.