21 Greatest Canadian Composers You Should Know About

Canada’s rich and diverse cultural heritage is reflected in the remarkable contributions of its composers, who have shaped the nation’s musical identity over the past century. From the pioneering figures who laid the groundwork for Canadian classical music to contemporary composers exploring new sonic landscapes, these artists have created works that resonate both at home and internationally.

This article delves into the lives and legacies of the greatest Canadian composers, whose innovative and influential music has played a vital role in defining Canada’s place in the global music scene.

Through their creativity and dedication, they have crafted a uniquely Canadian voice that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.

21 Most Influential & Greatest Composers from Canada of All Time

These composers have significantly shaped the landscape of Canadian music, contributing a diverse range of styles and genres to the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Here’s a list of 21 of the greatest Canadian composers, spanning different periods and genres:

#1 Claude Champagne (1891–1965)

Claude Champagne was one of the earliest and most significant figures in Canadian classical music. Born in Montreal, he studied at the Conservatoire de Paris, where he absorbed the rich traditions of French music. Champagne is best known for his orchestral works, particularly Symphonie Gaspésienne (1945), which evokes the landscapes and spirit of the Gaspé Peninsula.

He was instrumental in establishing a distinctly Canadian voice in classical music, blending European techniques with Canadian themes. Beyond composing, Champagne was a dedicated educator, serving as a professor at the Université de Montréal and influencing a generation of Canadian composers through his teaching and writings on music.

#2 Healy Willan (1880–1968)

Healy Willan, often referred to as the “Dean of Canadian composers,” was a towering figure in Canadian music, particularly known for his sacred choral works. Born in England, Willan moved to Canada in 1913, where he became deeply involved in the Anglican Church music tradition.

His most famous works include Hymn to the Cherubim and Missa Brevis, both of which showcase his mastery of choral writing. Willan’s style is characterized by its rich harmonies and liturgical depth, drawing on both Gregorian chant and Renaissance polyphony. In addition to his compositions, Willan was a respected educator, teaching at the University of Toronto and serving as the organist and choirmaster at St. Mary Magdalene’s Church in Toronto for many years.

#3 Jean Coulthard (1908–2000)

Jean Coulthard was a pioneering figure in Canadian music and one of the country’s first prominent female composers. Born in Vancouver, she studied with some of the leading composers of the 20th century, including Ralph Vaughan Williams in London and Arnold Schoenberg in Los Angeles.

Coulthard’s music is known for its lyrical beauty and emotional expressiveness, blending elements of late Romanticism with more modernist techniques. Her extensive output includes symphonies, chamber music, choral works, and songs, with pieces like Canadian Fantasy and Music on a Quiet Song standing out in particular. Coulthard was also a dedicated teacher, influencing many young Canadian composers through her work at the University of British Columbia.

#4 Barbara Pentland (1912–2000)

Barbara Pentland was a key figure in Canadian modernism, known for her bold, uncompromising musical language. Born in Winnipeg, Pentland began her musical education in Montreal and later studied in Paris and the United States, where she was exposed to the latest trends in modern music. Her music often features sharp dissonances, complex rhythms, and a strong sense of form, as seen in works like Symphony for Ten Parts and Studies in Line.

Pentland was also a trailblazer for women in music, pushing boundaries both stylistically and socially. Her contributions to Canadian music extended beyond composition, as she was also a respected educator at institutions like the University of British Columbia and a mentor to many younger composers.

#5 John Weinzweig (1913–2006)

John Weinzweig is often credited with being the “father of Canadian contemporary music,” due to his pivotal role in introducing modernist techniques to Canadian composition. Born in Toronto, Weinzweig studied in the United States, where he was influenced by serialism and other 20th-century techniques.

His works, such as Wine of Peace and Symphonic Ode, are characterized by their use of atonality, serialism, and innovative orchestration. In addition to his compositional work, Weinzweig was a passionate advocate for the development of Canadian music, co-founding the Canadian League of Composers in 1951 and teaching at the University of Toronto, where he influenced a generation of Canadian composers. His impact on the Canadian musical landscape was profound, both in terms of his own work and his influence on others.

#6 Harry Somers (1925–1999)

Harry Somers was one of Canada’s most significant and versatile composers of the 20th century. Born in Toronto, he studied with John Weinzweig and later in Paris with Darius Milhaud. Somers’ music is known for its wide-ranging styles, from serialism to neo-romanticism, often incorporating elements of Canadian folk music and exploring themes of Canadian identity. His opera Louis Riel (1967) is particularly celebrated, depicting the life of the Métis leader and becoming one of the most important works in Canadian operatic history.

Somers was also a key figure in Canadian cultural policy, helping to establish the Canadian Music Centre and advocating for the support of Canadian composers. His influence on the development of a distinctly Canadian voice in classical music remains profound.

#7 Violet Archer (1913–2000)

Violet Archer was a prolific Canadian composer whose work spans a wide range of genres, including orchestral, chamber, choral, and solo instrumental music. Born in Montreal, Archer studied with prominent figures such as Béla Bartók and Paul Hindemith, which influenced her approach to composition, particularly in her use of clear structures and contrapuntal techniques.

Archer’s works often incorporate elements of Canadian folk music, reflecting her deep connection to her country’s cultural heritage. In addition to her composing, she was a highly influential educator, teaching at institutions such as the University of Alberta, where she mentored many young Canadian composers. Her legacy is marked by a vast and diverse body of work that continues to be performed and appreciated today.

#8 R. Murray Schafer (1933–2021)

Murray Schafer was one of Canada’s most innovative and internationally recognized composers, known for his pioneering work in soundscape studies and environmental music. Born in Sarnia, Ontario, Schafer developed the concept of the “soundscape,” which explores the relationship between human beings and their acoustic environment. His most famous work, Patria, is a series of music dramas designed to be performed in natural settings, blending music, theater, and environmental sounds.

Schafer was also a prolific writer and educator, advocating for a more holistic approach to music education. His work has had a profound impact on both the fields of music composition and acoustic ecology, making him a unique and influential figure in Canadian and global music.

#9 Norman Symonds (1920–1998)

Norman Symonds was a Canadian composer and clarinetist known for his contributions to third-stream music, which blends jazz and classical music elements. Born in Nelson, British Columbia, Symonds was largely self-taught as a composer but became one of the first Canadians to explore the fusion of jazz improvisation with classical forms.

His works, such as Concerto Grosso for Jazz Soloists and Orchestra and Transformation for Jazz Soloists and Symphony Orchestra, are pioneering examples of this genre. Symonds also composed extensively for film and television, helping to bring a uniquely Canadian voice to these media. His innovative blending of genres opened new possibilities for Canadian music and influenced later generations of composers.

#10 Srul Irving Glick (1934–2002)

Srul Irving Glick was a prominent Canadian composer and conductor, particularly noted for his contributions to Canadian Jewish music. Born in Toronto, Glick’s work is deeply rooted in Jewish musical traditions, blending them with contemporary classical styles. His compositions include choral works, orchestral pieces, chamber music, and songs, many of which reflect his heritage and spirituality. Notable works include The Hour Has Come and The Psalm Trilogy.

In addition to his compositions, Glick was an influential figure in Canadian broadcasting, working as a producer for CBC Radio, where he helped promote Canadian music. Glick’s music is celebrated for its emotional depth, lyrical beauty, and cultural significance.

#11 Murray Adaskin (1906–2002)

Murray Adaskin was a distinguished Canadian composer, violinist, and conductor, known for his contributions to Canadian classical music and for fostering musical life in Western Canada. Born in Toronto, Adaskin began his career as a violinist, playing with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra before turning to composition later in life.

His works are noted for their lyrical melodies, rhythmic vitality, and often incorporate elements of Canadian folk music. Adaskin was also an influential educator, serving as the head of the music department at the University of Saskatchewan, where he nurtured the talents of many young Canadian composers. His legacy includes a significant body of orchestral, chamber, and vocal music that continues to be performed across Canada.

#12 Jacques Hétu (1938–2010)

Jacques Hétu was one of Canada’s most respected composers, known for his symphonic and chamber music that blends modernist techniques with lyrical expression. Born in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Hétu studied with Henri Dutilleux in Paris, where he developed his distinctive style that combines rigorous structure with emotional intensity. His compositions include five symphonies, several concertos, and numerous chamber works, many of which have become staples of the Canadian repertoire.

Hétu’s music is marked by its clarity of form, rich harmonic language, and dramatic contrasts. In addition to his composing, Hétu was a dedicated educator, teaching at various institutions, including the Université du Québec à Montréal, where he influenced many of Canada’s younger composers.

#13 Ann Southam (1937–2010)

Ann Southam was an influential Canadian composer known for her minimalist and electroacoustic music. Born in Winnipeg, Southam’s early work focused on electronic music, but she later became associated with the minimalist movement, particularly through her piano compositions. Her works, such as Rivers and Simple Lines of Enquiry, are noted for their meditative, repetitive structures and delicate textures.

Southam was also a strong advocate for women in music, supporting the work of female composers through her involvement with the Canadian League of Composers and the Association of Canadian Women Composers. Her music continues to be celebrated for its contemplative beauty and innovative use of sound.

#14 Alexina Louie (b. 1949)

Alexina Louie is one of Canada’s most prominent contemporary composers, known for her orchestral, chamber, and film music that often incorporates elements of Asian music and Western classical traditions. Born in Vancouver to Chinese-Canadian parents, Louie studied in California before returning to Canada, where she quickly established herself as a leading voice in Canadian music. Her works, such as The Ringing Earth and Music for Heaven and Earth, are known for their vibrant colors, rhythmic energy, and evocative soundscapes.

Louie has received numerous awards for her work, including several Junos, and her music is regularly performed by major orchestras and ensembles around the world. She has also contributed significantly to Canadian film music, composing scores for films such as The Five Senses and Last Night.

#15 Linda Catlin Smith (b. 1957)

Linda Catlin Smith is a Canadian composer known for her quiet, introspective music that often blurs the boundaries between sound and silence. Born in New York and later moving to Canada, Smith’s work is deeply influenced by the likes of Morton Feldman and the European avant-garde. Her compositions are characterized by their delicate textures, slow tempos, and a focus on subtle shifts in timbre and harmony.

Smith’s notable works include Wanderer and Far from Shore, both of which showcase her minimalist approach. A dedicated educator, she has taught at various institutions and has been a significant influence on the contemporary music scene in Canada. Her music has been widely performed and recorded, making her a prominent figure in the field of contemporary composition.

#16 Harry Freedman (1922–2005)

Harry Freedman was a Canadian composer known for his diverse body of work, which includes orchestral, chamber, choral, and film music. Born in Poland and immigrating to Canada as a child, Freedman initially trained as an oboist before turning to composition. His music often blends elements of jazz with classical forms, creating a unique and dynamic style. Notable works include Images and Graphic 1, which demonstrate his innovative use of orchestration and texture.

Freedman also composed for film and television, contributing to the scores of several National Film Board of Canada productions. In addition to his composing, Freedman was an active advocate for Canadian music, serving as president of the Canadian League of Composers. His contributions to both the performance and promotion of Canadian music have left a lasting legacy.

#17 Malcolm Forsyth (1936–2011)

Malcolm Forsyth was a South African-born Canadian composer, conductor, and trombonist, known for his vibrant orchestral works that often incorporate elements of African and Canadian folk music. Forsyth emigrated to Canada in 1968 and became a significant figure in the Canadian music scene, serving as principal trombonist with the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and later as a professor at the University of Alberta.

His compositions, such as Atayoskewin and Electra Rising, are known for their rhythmic vitality, rich orchestration, and incorporation of indigenous and folk themes. Forsyth’s music has been performed by major orchestras around the world, and he received numerous awards, including a Juno Award for Classical Composition of the Year. His work reflects a deep connection to both his African roots and his adopted Canadian homeland.

#18 Christos Hatzis (b. 1953)

Christos Hatzis is a Canadian composer of Greek origin, known for his eclectic style that blends classical, electronic, and world music elements. Hatzis’ works often explore spiritual and cultural themes, drawing on his experiences as an immigrant and his interest in mysticism. Notable compositions include Constantinople, an acclaimed multimedia work, and The Isle is Full of Noises, which incorporates Inuit throat singing.

Hatzis is also recognized for his use of technology in music, creating works that blend acoustic instruments with electronic sounds. He has received numerous awards for his work, including the Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music and multiple Juno Awards. Hatzis’ music is widely performed internationally, and he continues to be a leading figure in contemporary Canadian music.

#19 Claude Vivier (1948–1983)

Claude Vivier was a Canadian avant-garde composer whose work is celebrated for its haunting beauty and spiritual depth. Born in Montreal, Vivier was a student of Karlheinz Stockhausen and developed a unique compositional voice that often incorporated elements of Asian music, plainchant, and spectralism. His works, such as Lonely Child and Zipangu, are marked by their exploration of themes such as death, love, and the afterlife, often expressed through lush harmonies and strikingly original timbres.

Vivier’s life and career were tragically cut short when he was murdered in Paris at the age of 34, but his influence on contemporary music has continued to grow, with his works being performed and recorded by major ensembles worldwide. Vivier is now regarded as one of Canada’s most important and original composers.

#20 Gilles Tremblay (1932–2017)

Gilles Tremblay was a Canadian composer and teacher, known for his innovative use of timbre, form, and rhythm in orchestral and chamber music. Born in Arvida, Quebec, Tremblay studied in Paris with influential composers like Olivier Messiaen and Yvonne Loriod, which shaped his avant-garde approach to music. His works, such as Luce Céleste and Les Vêpres de la Vierge, are known for their exploration of the relationship between music, nature, and spirituality, often incorporating extended techniques and graphic notation.

Tremblay was also a revered educator, teaching at the Conservatoire de musique du Québec and influencing many young Canadian composers. His contributions to contemporary music and his commitment to the development of a distinct Canadian sound have left a lasting legacy in Canada and beyond.

#21 Marjan Mozetich (b. 1948)

Marjan Mozetich is a Canadian composer known for his lyrical and accessible style that blends elements of minimalism, romanticism, and postmodernism. Born in Italy and raised in Canada, Mozetich’s music is characterized by its emotional expressiveness and melodic richness.

His works, such as Postcards from the Sky and Affairs of the Heart, have gained widespread popularity and are frequently performed by major orchestras and chamber ensembles. Mozetich’s music often evokes a sense of nostalgia and beauty, making it appealing to both performers and audiences. He has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Juno Award, and his work continues to be a significant part of the Canadian musical landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is considered the father of Canadian contemporary music?

John Weinzweig is often regarded as the father of Canadian contemporary music, known for introducing modernist techniques like serialism to Canadian composition. His influence extends through his own works and his teaching, which shaped a generation of Canadian composers.

Which Canadian composer is known for pioneering soundscape studies?

Murray Schafer is famous for pioneering soundscape studies, exploring the relationship between humans and their acoustic environment. His innovative work in environmental music and the concept of the soundscape have made him a significant figure in both music and acoustic ecology.

Which Canadian composer created music that blends minimalism with romanticism?

Marjan Mozetich is known for blending minimalism with romanticism in his compositions, creating music that is both emotionally expressive and melodically rich. His works, such as Affairs of the Heart, are widely performed and appreciated for their accessibility and beauty.

Who was one of Canada’s first prominent female composers?

Jean Coulthard was one of Canada’s first prominent female composers, recognized for her contributions to symphonic and chamber music. Her work is celebrated for its lyrical beauty and for helping to establish a Canadian voice in classical music.