A chorister at Wakefield Cathedral, Kenneth Leighton studied with Bernard Rose in Oxford, thereafter holding teaching positions at Leeds, Edinburgh and Oxford. He returned in 1970 to become Reid Professor of Music in Edinburgh, a position he held until his death. He was a versatile composer, with a wide variety of works to his credit.

Choral and Vocal Music
Leighton wrote Mass settings, oratorios, cantatas, and two symphonies that included vocal settings.

Orchestral and Instrumental Music
Leighton’s orchestral works include a number of concertos for various instruments and combinations of instruments. These include three piano concertos. Other compositions include chamber music and works for piano and for organ.