Biography

Manitoban composer and performer Nic Bray is a multifaceted musician whose practice spans composition, songwriting, and jazz saxophone performance. First finding acclaim as the winner of the 2025 Canadian Music Centre Emerging Composer Competition, his music bridges the gap between contemporary classical, jazz, and pop idioms, showcasing a versatile and inventive approach to composition. Nic completed his Bachelor's Degree in Jazz Performance on saxophone at Brandon University in 2023, studying with Greg Gatien and completed his Master’s in Music in Composition in 2025, also studying at Brandon University, with Dr. Jason Young. Other mentors have included Michael Cain, Ella Feingold, Harry Stafylakis, Dr. Daniel Mehdizadeh, and David Braid.

Nic’s recent founding of the Towers Archival Association showcases his desire to create spaces that make music accessible to all, with this organization aiming to bring public domain musical artifacts out of private collections and into public access. Through fundraising events and collaborative performances, Nic also demonstrates the potential to make a significant impact beyond the stage, using music to build stronger, more vibrant communities.