Kathryn Knowles

Kathryn Knowles is a composer, cellist, conductor, and writer from Inverary, Ontario and currently based in Toronto, Ontario. Her compositions have been played in workshops by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the New Orford String Quartet, and the Penderecki String Quartet. Her work, Biarc, commissioned by the Accordion and Clarinet Duo, Joseph Petric and Martin Carpentier, was premiered in April 2022 and streamed on the Canadian Music Centre platform, Picanto. Recently, she was commissioned by Joseph Petric to write a piece for Accordion and Electronics. The piece, Dreams of Hope, was funded by the Canada Council for the Arts and will be premiered in 2023.  She is currently collaborating with pianist, composer, and singer, Morgan-Paige Melbourne, to write a musical titled Between Fires, funded by the Canada Council for the Arts.

Kathryn regularly performs as a cellist in various chamber ensembles around Toronto. In 2022, she performed as guest principal cellist with the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra, and she performed at the Oshawa Music Awards with Juno-nominated singer-songwriter, Lindsay Schoolcraft. She recently recorded tracks for an upcoming album by the Juno-winning band, OKAN set to release in 2023, as well as another album by Lindsay Schoolcraft. She continues to collaborate with Lindsay Schoolcraft on several string arrangements of her songs to be performed in 2023.

Kathryn received honourable mention in the Writer’s Digest 89th Annual Writing Competition for her poem, Beyond the Black Horizon’s Crease, and her short story, Lester’s Bird Feeder. The first two novels in her debut fantasy trilogy are available for purchase. Book one, The Relics of Illayan, and book two, The Warrior Queen. Book three, The Age of Resonance, will be available November 22.

Kathryn is interested in multidisciplinary artistic exchange, and in exploring the creative process. She holds a Bachelor of Music and a Master of International Business from Queen’s University, as well as a Master in Music Composition from the University of Toronto where she was awarded the Joseph Armand Bombardier Canadian Graduate Scholarship. During her time at U of T, Kathryn initiated and led the creation of an annual interdisciplinary conference to showcase artistic creation-based research known as the Multidisciplinary Creative Conference.

In addition to her work as a composer and writer, Kathryn is a Centre Director with Sistema Toronto, the Music Director of Music4Life String Orchestra, and the Founder of Mad Endeavour. Kathryn is a strong advocate for the accessibility and appreciation of music and art in today’s society and she values the constant pursuit and celebration of knowledge.

 

Published by Mad Endeavour

In the stillness, a power wakes

Caerlon is a kingdom where the power of Resonance has long been bound to a single bloodline, a single all-powerful ruler. Now, for the first time in centuries, the magic has been divided.

On the night of the new king’s coronation, something causes his magic to fracture, and Catanya, a young woman living on the outskirts of Caerlon discovers the long-kept secret of her connection to the throne.

Driven mad by his lust for power, King Cadyan sends his soldiers to hunt her down. He is determined to reclaim his birthright and uncover the truth about the legendary Relics of Illayan, which could hold the key to eternal power and immortality.

On the run, terrified and alone, Catanya must decide how­—or even if—she can wield the magic of Caerlon to protect herself and save everyone she loves.

The Relics of Illayan is the first novel in a trilogy exploring a world of fantasy and adventure through the eyes of two young women as they encounter forbidden magic, warring kingdoms, and unexpected allies. This book should appeal to readers of heroic fantasy in the style of K.S Villoso, Devin Madson, and Patrick Rothfuss.

Published by Mad Endeavour

From the stillness, a hero rises

Catanya has escaped to the Kingdom of Awnell. Inside the towering fortress city, she meets Queen Ayr, a freethinking and cunning leader intent on safeguarding her people’s liberty. Unsure who to trust, and still grappling with her untamed magic, Catanya must learn what it means to be a warrior.

Miles away, Diyah’s strength is tested as new allies emerge and old secrets unravel. Torn between fear and curiosity, she begins to suspect that nothing is as it seems in Caerlon.

As the division between brother and sister threatens to ignite a centuries old conflict between kingdoms, both Catanya and Diyah must decide what price they are willing to pay for freedom.

New dangers approach and mysterious legends emerge in the second installment of the Quiescence Trilogy.