ABOUT THE COMPOSER
CAIT NISHIMURA (b. 1991) is a Canadian composer and music educator based in Toronto, Ontario. Described as having a "refreshing buoyancy", her music uses minimalist patterns, simple yet lush harmonies, and themes that linger in listeners' minds, drawing inspiration from the beauty of the natural world. Nishimura strives to present contemporary concert music that is accessible and approachable by musicians of all levels. Her work for wind band, Chasing Sunlight, was selected as the winner of the 2017 Canadian Band Association Composition Competition, and has since been added to the Music Fest Canada national syllabus. Nishimura holds undergraduate degrees in music and education from the University of Toronto. Her work is regularly programmed and commissioned by ensembles across North America, where she is in demand as a visiting composer and educator.
TESTIMONIALS
"Cait is dedicated to expressing a 21st century viewpoint in her compositions for wind band that are filled with emotional moments that immediately connect with the listener and performer. Her ability to mix timbres allows younger musicians the change to listen across the ensemble and creates musical complexity for the advanced performer."
-Nora Tycast, band director
"Cait made beautiful and inspiring connections with all of our students. Every student should have an opportunity to work with someone so passionate and committed to their craft."
-Brian Lukkasson, band director
"Nishimura writes with a fresh voice that doesn’t sound like anybody else writing now. I want her to meet my college students. I think they’ll be very inspired by this young, minority woman writing music that is getting played.”
-Dr. Patrick Murphy, University of Portland
"Cait Nishimura’s music resonates with many people, especially those of a younger generation. I have worked on her music with students and they sincerely loved the experience. I believe that her use of modern chord progressions and melodic hooks makes her music accessible to students. Her music will be in full rotation in my programs."
-Adam Baxter, band director