Tobin Stokes


Tobin David Stokes is a Canadian composer, notable for his work in opera, choral music and television. His works have been performed by New York City Opera, Long Beach Opera, City Opera of Vancouver, the Moscow Symphony Orchestra, and the Victoria Symphony. He also writes for television, including scores for documentaries by the BBC, ABC, and PBS.

Life and career

Stokes was born in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He studied the piano from the age of three and became a charter member of the Powell River Boy's Choir at age seven, performing, competing and touring internationally with them until he was fourteen. He holds a BMus in percussion from the University of Victoria. Stokes was resident composer at the biannual International Choral Kathaumixw Festival in Powell River, British Columbia, B.C. from 1994 to 2014. He was resident composer with the Victoria Symphony from 2006 to 2008, and with the Urban Youth Choir Festival in Örebro, Sweden from 2011 to 2012.
Stokes has composed several operas: Fallujah, with libretto by Heather Raffo, Pauline, with libretto by Margaret Atwood, The Vinedressers, and Rattenbury.