Charles Cozens (born July 29, 1952) is involved in the music industry in Canada as an arranger for solo artists; a composer writing in multiple genres for diverse organizations including chamber ensembles, musical theatre, and television; a conductor and producer of crossover orchestral shows; a performer on piano and accordion in jazz, classical, and pop styles; and as a recording artist and producer. In his professional activities, Cozens promotes Canadian musicians and music, and he brings together different musical genres in performance. In 2013, Cozens was the first Canadian invited to Cuba to conduct. He continues to conduct Orquesta de Villa Clara from time to time. Cozens' latest projects include the creation of The Burlington New Millennium Orchestra (BNMO is a 30 piece contemporary chamber orchestra specializing in a broad-based non-classical repertoire) and the recording of 16 CDs of Mozart for the Mozart Effect brand released in 2017. He joined the world-touring classical crossover ensemble Quartetto Gelato as their accordionist in 2018. He is a member of the Local 149 Toronto Musicians’ Association, Local 293 Hamilton Musician's Guild, American Federation of Musicians,

SOCAN The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) is a Canadian performance rights organization that represents the performing rights of more than 135,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers. The organization collects ...

, ASCAP,

ACTRA The Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) is a Canadian trade union representing performers in English-language media. It has 25,000 members working in film, television, radio, and all other recorded media. The orga ...

, a former member of the International Conductors Association, and the Worldwide Who's Who.

Education

Cozens began exploring music as a young child. He was playing the piano by ear when he was 3 years old and started music lessons at 11. Cozen's formal musical education included study in composition, arranging, orchestration, and film scoring at The Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA wit
George Monseur
Additional composition studies were with Ted Pease, George Cordeiro, John Bavichii and Lother Klein at The

University of Toronto The University of Toronto (UToronto or U of T) is a public university, public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, located on the grounds that surround Queen's Park (Toronto), Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 ...

. Further orchestration study was with Phil Wilson, Mike Gibbs, Wes Hensel, and Lother Klein at The

. Additional study included time at the

New England Conservatory of Music The New England Conservatory of Music (NEC) is a private music school in Boston, Massachusetts. It is the oldest independent music conservatory in the United States and among the most prestigious in the world. The conservatory is located on H ...

auditing classes in composition,

The University Of Toronto The University of Toronto (UToronto or U of T) is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, located on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution ...

in composition and orchestration, and

McMaster University McMaster University (McMaster or Mac) is a public research university in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The main McMaster campus is on of land near the residential neighbourhoods of Ainslie Wood and Westdale, adjacent to the Royal Botanical Ga ...

in mathematics, chemistry, and music. Cozen's conducting education included two years of private instruction with

Victor Feldbrill Victor Feldbrill, (April 4, 1924 – June 17, 2020) was a Canadian conductor and violinist. Early life and education Feldbrill was born in Toronto,Konstantin Krimets
of the

Moscow Symphony Orchestra The Moscow Symphony Orchestra is a non-state-supported Russian symphony orchestra, founded in 1989 by the sisters Ellen and Marina Levine. The musicians include graduates from such institutions as Moscow, Kiev, and Saint Petersburg Conservatory ...

. His principal piano studies were with Danna Gaky, Reginald Bedford, Avis Romm, and Ray Santisi. He also had occasional coaching from

Anton Kuerti Anton Emil Kuerti, OC (born July 21, 1938) is an Austrian-born Canadian pianist, music teacher, composer, and conductor. He has developed international recognition as a solo pianist.Quartetto Gelato,

The Canadian Brass The Canadian Brass is a Canadian brass quintet formed in 1970 in Toronto, Ontario, by Charles Daellenbach (tuba) and Gene Watts (trombone), with horn player Graeme Page and trumpeters Stuart Laughton and Bill Phillips completing the quintet. , ...

, Rosemary Clooney, Louise Pitre (Mama Mia, Broadway), Michael Burgess (Les Misérables), Hannaford Street Silver Band,

The Nylons The Nylons are an a cappella group founded in 1978 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, best known for their covers of pop songs such as The Turtles' " Happy Together", Steam's "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye", and The Tokens' "The Lion Sleeps Tonight ...

, Eleanor McCain with David Foster, The Canadian Tenors,

The Stratford Festival The Stratford Festival is a theatre festival which runs from April to October in the city of Stratford, Ontario, Canada. Founded by local journalist Tom Patterson in 1952, the festival was formerly known as the Stratford Shakespearean Festival ...

, and several musicals including "Swingstep". He has also scored numerous symphonic pops shows including ''Once Upon a Love Song'' starring Mark Masri, ''Bending The Bows'' starring Ed Minevich and Frank Leahy, ''Harlem To Hollywood'' starring Michael Danso, ''

Eagle & Hawk Eagle & Hawk is a Canadian First Nations rock group based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, active since 1994. They are most noted for winning the Juno Award for Best Music of Aboriginal Canada Recording in 2002 for their album ''On and On''. The band had ...

in Concert'' starring Vince Fontaine, ''Putting It Together'' starring

and ''Broadway Today''. Recently, Cozens completed scoring two innovative concert programs for the

Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) is a Canadian orchestra based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Its primary concert venue is the Centennial Concert Hall, and the orchestra also performs throughout the province of Manitoba. The WSO presents an average ...

; the first for Canadian Country Music star

Lindi Ortega Lindi Ortega (born May 28, 1980) is a Canadian country singer-songwriter from Toronto, Ontario, who had lived in Nashville, Tennessee then moved to Western Canada in 2017. She spent nearly a decade as an independent artist in the Toronto music ...

, and the second a symphonic pops show for Canada's legendary rock icon

Randy Bachman Randolph Charles Bachman (; born September 27, 1943) is a Canadian guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He was a founding member of the bands The Guess Who and Bachman–Turner Overdrive. Bachman recorded as a solo artist and was part of a num ...

, entitled “Randy Bachman's Symphonic Overdrive.” Composing, arranging, and conducting credits also include several symphonic recordings with the

Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra The Tchaikovsky Symphony Orchestra is a Russian classical music radio orchestra established in 1930. It was founded as the Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra, and served as the official symphony for the Soviet All-Union Radio network. History Followi ...

and The Russian National Symphony Orchestra at MosFilm studios in Moscow as well as over 100 CDs as conductor, composer, arranger, pianist, and producer for recording labels such as Universal Music Canada, CBC SM 5000, Attic, Somerset Music Inc., Solitudes, Avalon, Reflections, and Jazz Inspiration. Cozens has also composed, arranged, and conducted many television and film scores for productions including Tek Wars, Ray Bradbury Theatre, The Twilight Zone, At The Midnight Hour, Clarence, Christmas In America and The Long Road Home. He has also composed and produced more than 200 jingles for national brands. Career highlights include being the arranger for a Command Performance for Queen Elizabeth II in 1984, (London, England) with the Ontario Youth Concert Band, conducted by George Houselander. Cozens was the also the arranger for the Hamilton Sesquicentennial Celebration for Prince Charles, broadcast by

CBC Radio CBC Radio is the English-language radio operations of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The CBC operates a number of radio networks serving different audiences and programming niches, all of which (regardless of language) are outlined below ...

in 1996.

As conductor

Cozens has guest conducted many of Canada's symphony orchestras including The

Victoria Symphony The Victoria Symphony is a Canadian orchestra based in Victoria, British Columbia. It is considered Vancouver Island's best-known active performing arts organization. Currently conducted by Danish conductor Christian Kluxen, the orchestra consists o ...

, Vancouver Symphony,

Edmonton Symphony Orchestra The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra (ESO) is a Canadian orchestra based in Edmonton, Alberta. As the professional orchestra of Alberta's creative capital city it presents over 85 concerts a year of symphonic music in all genres, from classical to cou ...

, Calgary Philharmonic,

Regina Symphony Orchestra The Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO) was founded by Frank Laubach, in Regina, Saskatchewan, as the ''Regina Orchestral Society'' in 1908, giving its inaugural concert December 3 of that same year. Becoming the ''Regina Choral and Orchestral Societ ...

Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony The Regional Municipality of Waterloo (Waterloo Region or Region of Waterloo) is a metropolitan area of Southern Ontario, Canada. It contains the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo (KWC or Tri-Cities), and the townships of North Dumfr ...

Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra (HPO) is a Canadian orchestra based in Hamilton, Ontario. The orchestra gives concerts primarily at the FirstOntario Concert Hall. History The Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra was founded in 1949. Its first c ...

, Mississauga Symphony,

Symphony Nova Scotia Symphony Nova Scotia is a Canadian orchestra based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Their primary recital space is at the Dalhousie Arts Centre's Rebecca Cohn Auditorium. History Symphony Nova Scotia began in 1983 with 13 full-time musicians. ...

, as well as the

National Arts Centre Orchestra The National Arts Centre Orchestra (NAC Orchestra) is a Canadian orchestra based in Ottawa, Ontario led by music director Alexander Shelley. The NAC Orchestra's primary concert venue is Southam Hall at the National Arts Centre. Since its incepti ...

and members of the

Toronto Symphony Orchestra The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is a Canadian orchestra based in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in 1906, the TSO gave regular concerts at Massey Hall until 1982, and since then has performed at Roy Thomson Hall. The TSO also manages the Toronto ...

. He has also conducted and recorded in Russia with the

, the Russian National Cinema Orchestra, and members of the

Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra The Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra is an orchestra based in Moscow, Russia. It was founded in 1951 by Samuil Samosud, as the Moscow Youth Orchestra for young and inexperienced musicians, acquiring its current name in 1953. It is most associated wit ...

. In April 2013, he made his Cuban debut, guest-conducting the Orquesta de Villa Clara (Villa Clara Symphony Orchestra in Santa Clara, Cuba) in a program of orchestral dance music that included two of his own original compositions, Czardahora and Celtic Fantasia, and his compilation of works by

Astor Piazzolla Astor Pantaleón Piazzolla (, ; March 11, 1921 – July 4, 1992) was an Argentine tango composer, bandoneon player, and arranger. His works revolutionized the traditional tango into a new style termed '' nuevo tango'', incorporating elements fro ...

entitled Hommage à Piazzolla, for violin and orchestra. Cozens has conducted for many classical and classical crossover artists such as

The Canadian Tenors The Tenors (formerly known as The Canadian Tenors) are a vocal group consisting of Victor Micallef, Clifton Murray, Alberto Urso, and Mark Masri. They perform operatic pop music that is a mixture of classical and pop, featuring songs such as ...

, Quartetto Gelato, Michael Guttman, Leslie Kinton and James Anagnoson, Erica Goodman, Michael Burgess, Mark Dubois, Gisele Fredette, Peter DeSotto, and many pop and jazz artists such as Sir Elton John, Janelle Monáe,

, Matt Dusk, P. J. Perry, Carol Wellsman, Jully Black, Divine Brown, Billy Newton-Davis, Shawn Desman, Ryan and Dan, Serena Ryder,

, Andrea Menard, and Michael Danso. Other conducting credits include numerous television and film soundtracks, CD recordings, and over 50 theatrical productions, many with Drayton Entertainment and Theatre Aquarius including Fiddler On The Roof, Beauty And The Beast, My Fair Lady, Cats, Miss Saigon, Crazy For You, Anne Of Green Gables, Man Of La Mancha, and The King And I. Television and film conducting includes Tek Wars, Ray Bradbury Theatre,

The Twilight Zone ''The Twilight Zone'' is an American media franchise based on the anthology television series created by Rod Serling. The episodes are in various genres, including fantasy, science fiction, absurdism, dystopian fiction, suspense, horror, sup ...

, At The Midnight Hour, Clarence, Christmas In America, and The Long Road Home. Cozens also served as conductor for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards for

Prince Philip Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (born Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark, later Philip Mountbatten; 10 June 1921 – 9 April 2021) was the husband of Queen Elizabeth II. As such, he served as the consort of the British monarch from E ...

(Toronto 2004). He also conducted a Command Performance of “Man of La Mancha” for the Governor General of Canada, The Right Honourable Ray Hnytashyn (Theatre Aquarius 1991). More recently in 2012, Cozens conducted the Charles Cozens orchestra for the 25th final presentation of Toronto's Fashion Cares evening, working with such stars as Sir Elton John and Grammy Award-winning singer

Janelle Monáe Janelle Monáe Robinson (; born December 1, 1985) is an American singer, rapper and actress. She is signed to Atlantic Records, as well as to her own imprint, the Wondaland Arts Society. Monáe has received eight Grammy Award nominations. Mon� ...

As performer

As an accordionist, Cozens twice won the Open Canadian Accordion Championship in 1968 and 1969, and subsequently represented Canada in the Coupe Mondiale in 1969 in New York City, where he placed among the top ten concert accordionists in the world (Category 4). As a pianist, he has performed many recitals in both classical and jazz genres, including symphonic pops concerts with

Henry Mancini Henry Mancini ( ; born Enrico Nicola Mancini, ; April 16, 1924 – June 14, 1994) was an American composer, conductor, arranger, pianist and flautist. Often cited as one of the greatest composers in the history of film, he won four Academy Award ...

, Ertha Kitt, and Cab Calloway. In 2018, Charles joined the world-touring Canadian classical crossover ensemble Quartetto Gelato as their regular accordionist and the duo ''JoyRide'' with oboist Colin Maier.

Selected collaborations with artists and orchestras

As composer, arranger and/or conductor For a more complete listing of collaborations see Charles Thomas Cozens List of Works. *2016 – 2019 The Burlington New Millennium Orchestra series of concerts, Charles Cozens Founder and Conductor *2016 The Mozart Effect recordings, 2nd international branding with the Mozart Effect Orchestra,

Glenn Gould Studio The Canadian Broadcasting Centre, also known as the CBC Toronto Broadcast Centre, is an office and studio complex located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It serves as the main broadcast and master control point for the Canadian Broadcasting Corpora ...

, Toronto, Ontario, Canada *2014 Randy Bachman's Symphonic Overdrive: The

, Orchestra London Charles T. Cozens, Conductor/Arranger/Composer, Randy Bachman Guitar/Vocal *2008 Eagle and Hawk In Concert as part of the first ever Indigenous Festival:

, Charles T. Cozens, Arranger; Alexander Michelwaite, Conductor; Eagle And Hawk, Band *1996 The Nylons Live:

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is a Canadian orchestra based in Vancouver, British Columbia. The VSO performs at the Orpheum, which has been the orchestra's permanent home since 1977. With an annual operating budget of $16 million, it is ...

, Charles T. Cozens, Conductor/Arranger; The Nylons, Vocalists

Selected compositions

For a more complete listing of compositions see Charles Thomas Cozens List of Works Theatre *2001 “Swingstep”, A Musical *1993 “Peter Pan: The Return.” Book and lyrics by Peter Mandia; music by Cozens; adapted from the play and novel by James M. Barrie. (Theatre Aquarius) Concert music *2013 "Tres Ballos Latinos" for mixed choir, accordion, piano, bass and percussion (commissioned and premiered by Robert Cooper and the Orpheus Choir)"Song of the Stars"
''The Orpheus Choir of Toronto'' *2012 "Homage à Piazzolla" for violin and orchestra. A recomposition including arrangements and original composition written for Belgian virtuoso Michael Guttman and premiered in November 2012 with the

*2010 Czardahora premiered by Michael Guttman *2005 “Les Petites Dances Demoniques” (Performed at the Niagara International Chamber Music Festival featuring, Peter Stoll Clarinet and the Adis Bankas String Quartet with Richard Moore, Percussion. Commissioned by Ergo Projects) *2000 "Celtic Fantasia" premiered by violinist Michael Guttman in November 2012 and the

, Charles Cozens Conductor *1999 “The Clown Of Venice” commissioned, premiered, and recorded by Quartetto Gelato on the CD Neopolitan Café *1998 “Botanicus” for euphonium and brass band commissioned and premiered by the Hannaford Street Silver Band with Bramwell Tovey

Selected arrangements

*2007 Arrangements for the Richard Monette Gala and the Stratford Festival Orchestra *2002 Arrangements for Stratford Festival's 50th Anniversary *2001 ''The Magic of Love'' Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; Arranged and Orchestrated by Charles T. Cozens; Concept and Words by J. Robert Verdun (Port Dover Theatre)

Selected discography

As performer, arranger, composer and/or producer and listed by artist, ''title'', and label For a more complete listing of recordings see Charles Thomas Cozens List of Works. *2017 Charles Cozens, ''Mozart Effect'' 16 CDs Spring Hill *2015 Quartetto Gelato ''All Original – 100% Canadian'' CD Baby *2009 The Canadian Tenors ''The Perfect Gift'' Universal *2009 The Canadian Tenors ''The Canadian Tenors'' (USA) Universal *2008 Charles Cozens ''National Parks'' Solitudes *2004 Charles Cozens ''Balance'' (Juno Nominated) Reflections

Awards and honours

*2006 nominated for a ''Juno Award'' in the category Instrumental Album of the Year for “Balance” (Somerset – Sony/Universal) *2002-2003 Winner of the ''Established Performing Arts Award'' by the Mississauga Arts Council *2003 Winner of the ''Bravo VideoFact Award'' for “Mozart’s Tango” from “The Magic Of Love” *2000 Nominated for a ''Dora Award'' for Most Outstanding Musical for “Swingstep” *1994 Nominated for a ''Chalmers Award'' in Composition for Peter Pan: The Return *1986 Winner of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's ''National Arrangers Workshop Competition'' *1979 Winner of The Berklee School of ''Music Work Study Scholarship'' in Composition *1969 Award of Merit World Accordion Championship 1969 (top ten)“Coupe Mondiale” New York, N.Y. *1968,1969 Winner of the ''Open Canadian Accordion Championship'' in the Artist Repertoire Class

Articles, lectures, and service

*Current vice-president of the board of directors for the Algoma Music Camp (AMC) in association with Algoma University *Current board member for the Arts and Culture Council of Burlington (ACCOB) *2007 Guest Keynote Speaker at the ''International Conductors Guild Conference'' in Toronto, Canada, lecturing on “Conducting For The Recording Orchestra” *2007 "Glory Days"''Playwrights Canada Press'' (Contributing Author with Bill Freeman) *2006
Broadway North: The Dream Of A Canadian Musical Theatre
�� ''Natural Heritage Books'' (Contributing Author with Mel Atkey) *Advisory Committee for Humber College, Music Degree Program (Toronto) *Consultant for Roland Music Corporation *Former Board member for Canadian Music Competitions (CMC Toronto).

References

External links

Personal WebsiteBusiness WebsiteBurlington New Millennium Orchestra
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cozens, Charles 1952 births Living people 20th-century Canadian composers 20th-century Canadian pianists Canadian accordionists Canadian male pianists Musicians from Hamilton, Ontario 20th-century Canadian male musicians