Composer Leah Curtis writes contemporary classical music, scores for international cinema, and fine art installation. Limelight describes her music as both “groundbreaking” and “deeply human.” Leah crafts intricate musical landscapes exploring the nuances of orchestration, and seamlessly weaves solo threads into lush, immersive textures.

She wrote the Variety-acclaimed “first-rate” score for Killing Ground, and her orchestrations can be heard in projects by leading film composers, including Reinhold Heil, Johnny Klimek (Sophie Scholl), and Alex Wurman (Something Borrowed).

Leah has developed deep creative relationships with international filmmakers, frequently invited back for repeat collaborations. Recent projects include the upcoming Indian folklore thriller Kaalgaon, directed by Amit Gupta and featuring Hindustani vocalist Saili Oak, and the drama Anwar, directed by Fawaz Al-Matrouk, for which she was a recipient of the New Music USA Reel Change Grant. Her work with Al-Matrouk continues a creative partnership that began with To Rest in Peace, featuring vocals by Lisbeth Scott. These projects reflect Curtis’s ongoing cross-cultural collaborations with international filmmakers. Her film scores have received multiple nominations and wins at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards across categories including Best World Music, Best Original Score (Independent Film), and Best Original Song, and have also been nominated for the Australian Screen Music Awards.

She was a Fulbright visiting composer at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music, and holds an MA (Hons) from the Australian Film Television and Radio School. Leah studied with Oscar and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Corigliano at the Aspen Music Festival and School. Recent orchestral highlights include the premiere of Infinite Possibilities with conductor Jessica Cottis and the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and a new commission to precede Bernard Herrman’s live to picture score for Psycho. Her music has graced marquee festivals including the Dubai International Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, and the Aspen Music Festival.

Leah’s music navigates the delicate balance between historical depth and ambient allure. Her compositions go beyond traditional confines, creating a sonic experience that is evocative, emotive, and rich in storytelling nuance. Her expertise spans composing, orchestration, producing, and recording. Australian-born, Leah shares her time between Los Angeles, Melbourne, and Canberra, working internationally in collaboration with musicians, visual artists, and filmmakers.