the canadian composer dialogues
Shaping the Sound of the North Virtual Series 2026
A series of six one-hour virtual classes offered over the course of September to October 2026 to emerging composers of Canada. Topics covered will include getting started with a composing career, engraving, notation softwares, creative writing, writer's block, singer-songwriting, commissions, workshops and conference participation, and more. These classes will be led by the leading composers, conductors, and performers of Canada.
The call for applications will open on June 1, 2026, and close on August 1, 2026. The tuition fee for the full series (six sessions) is $120. À la carte registration will also be available. Interested composers must complete the Google Form below by the August 1, 2026 deadline. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance and any financial aid awards by August 15, 2026.
Meet our presenters
DR. KELLY-MARIE MURPHY
DR. KELLY-MARIE MURPHY
DR. KELLY-MARIE MURPHY
Canadian composer, Dr. Kelly-Marie Murphy’s compositional voice is well known on the Canadian music scene. She has created a number of memorable works for some of Canada’s leading performers and ensembles, including the Toronto, Winnipeg, and Vancouver Symphony Orchestras, The Gryphon Trio, James Campbell, Shauna Rolston, the Cecilia and Afiara String Quartets, and Judy Loman.
DR. MATTHEW EMERY
DR. KELLY-MARIE MURPHY
DR. KELLY-MARIE MURPHY
Dr. Matthew Emery is a Canadian composer whose music has been described as “profoundly beautiful and moving” (CBC Music). His works have been performed in thirty-seven countries on six continents, including at the Great Wall of China, the White House, and the Musikverein. He has received over forty commissions, and his music has been perf
Dr. Matthew Emery is a Canadian composer whose music has been described as “profoundly beautiful and moving” (CBC Music). His works have been performed in thirty-seven countries on six continents, including at the Great Wall of China, the White House, and the Musikverein. He has received over forty commissions, and his music has been performed by ensembles such as the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Vancouver Chamber Choir, National Youth Orchestra of Canada, and the Rolston String Quartet.
KATERINA GIMON
DR. KELLY-MARIE MURPHY
KATERINA GIMON
Composer, improviser, and vocalist Katerina Gimon's uniquely dynamic, poignant, and eclectic compositional style has earned her a reputation as a distinct voice in contemporary Canadian composition and beyond. Her compositions are performed widely across Canada, the United States, and internationally, with notable performances at Carnegie
Composer, improviser, and vocalist Katerina Gimon's uniquely dynamic, poignant, and eclectic compositional style has earned her a reputation as a distinct voice in contemporary Canadian composition and beyond. Her compositions are performed widely across Canada, the United States, and internationally, with notable performances at Carnegie Hall, Berliner Philharmonie, and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
JESSY LINDSAY
BENJAMIN GABBAY
KATERINA GIMON
Jessy Lindsay (she/her) is a queer, bilingual pop songstress. Over the past decade, she has passionately developed her craft through opportunities such as Jamais Trop Tôt at the Festival international de la chanson de Granby, Rond Point with the APCM and the Camp en chanson de Petite-Vallée. This powerhouse emerging artist has already est
Jessy Lindsay (she/her) is a queer, bilingual pop songstress. Over the past decade, she has passionately developed her craft through opportunities such as Jamais Trop Tôt at the Festival international de la chanson de Granby, Rond Point with the APCM and the Camp en chanson de Petite-Vallée. This powerhouse emerging artist has already established herself as a force to be reckoned within the Ottawa music industry, boasting recent performances at the Festival Franco-Ontarien, the National Arts Center and the Festival international de la chanson de Granby.
ROBERT COOPER
BENJAMIN GABBAY
BENJAMIN GABBAY
After 31 successful years of bringing fine vocal and choral music to all of Canada as Executive Producer of Opera and Choral Music for CBC Radio Two, Mr. Cooper has had the honour of conducting the National Youth Choir of Canada, the Ontario Youth Choir (1979, 2007, 2016) and a Celebration of Canadian Choral Music at Carnegie Hall. In add
After 31 successful years of bringing fine vocal and choral music to all of Canada as Executive Producer of Opera and Choral Music for CBC Radio Two, Mr. Cooper has had the honour of conducting the National Youth Choir of Canada, the Ontario Youth Choir (1979, 2007, 2016) and a Celebration of Canadian Choral Music at Carnegie Hall. In addition to his work with choirs, Mr. Cooper has been involved with the presentation of more than 150 operas and has conducted symphony orchestras in Halifax, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Orchestra London, opera companies in Victoria, Ottawa and Winnipeg as well as Toronto Operetta Theatre and Opera in Concert.
BENJAMIN GABBAY
BENJAMIN GABBAY
BENJAMIN GABBAY
Benjamin Gabbay is a composer and classical pianist. He holds an ARCT in piano performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music and both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s of Music in Composition from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music, where he is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Composition under Prof. Norbert Palej.
Benjamin Gabbay is a composer and classical pianist. He holds an ARCT in piano performance from the Royal Conservatory of Music and both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s of Music in Composition from the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Music, where he is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Composition under Prof. Norbert Palej. He is currently an Associate Composer with Arcady, a contemporary music ensemble in Brantford, Ontario.