“For years we talked about the need for an organization that stood up for serious music in Canada that dared to look beyond Europe for its inspiration. CNMN speaks for our brave new world.” [2008]
“I believe that CNMN must facilitate independent creators and fledgling organizations who may play many roles as performers, composers and administrators across a spectrum of genres. CNMN must bring them together with established institutions and organizations for the mutual benefit for all. Looking forward to organizing new outreach initiatives that will bring the new music community closer to educators and community initiatives in the interest of future generations of literate, fearless and independent musicians. I’m including seniors looking for new horizons in this vision.” [2012]
As an award-winning composer, saxophonist, clarinettist, improviser and intrepid explorer, Paul Cram continues to strengthen, challenge and refine his voice. He began his career playing sax in R&B bands and burlesque houses before studying composition with Elliot Weisgarber at the University of British Columbia and jazz great Sam Rivers at Banff. He debuted nationally with the release of “Blue Tales in Time” on Sackville/Onari Records, toured with the Paul Cram Trio, and started the Paul Cram Orchestra (PCO) before recording his 2nd Juno Nominated release: Beyond Benghazi (recently re-released on CD Baby/iTunes). In Nova Scotia he has worked professionally as a freelance composer in theatre, dance and film for many years. His score for the CBC movie “One Heart Broken into Song” won him the prestigious FIPA D’OR (France). In 2002, the new PCO recorded “Campin Out,” live at the Victoriaville Festival to rave reviews. After a stunning performance in Lisbon and the release of “Live in Lisbon” he is exploring opportunities internationally. Today’s musical projects include: Paul Cram Trio plus Aperture Trio equals 5 Flavours, Starry Nights Multi-band, and A Love Upstream Nonet contemporary music ensemble. Mr. Cram is running for his third term as a SOCAN board member and brings his experience as co-founder/administrator of several independent composer/improviser driven organizations across Canada: Vancouver’s New Orchestra Workshop (Co-founder), Toronto’s Contemporary Music Projects (Artistic Director) and Hemispheres Music (Co-artistic Director) and Upstream Music Association of Halifax (Co-founder/Artistic Director). Currently, he sits on the board of the Canadian New Music Network, a new national organization that speaks with a unified voice for creators and disseminators of all kinds of art music. He is also a member of the Screen Composers Guild of Canada, Canadian League of Composers and Canadian Music Centre.