Young Composers ClinicianS 2026
Jr/Inter Clincian – Diana Tayler
Diana Tayler is a composer and multidisciplinary artist based in Amiskwaciwâskahikan / Edmonton, Alberta, whose work unites classical composition with the tactile world of fibre art. Her dynamic practice spans intimate solo pieces, expansive choral works, and rich musical landscapes paired with original fibre-based stop-motion animation.
Diana’s recent portfolio highlights a series of multidisciplinary and collaborative ventures across Western Canada. In 2025, she completed a mentorship with erψn temp3st through New Music Edmonton culminating in “Spinning Stardust”—a work merging prepared and amplified harp with stop motion animation and fibre art. She was involved in a Canada Council of the Arts supported commission with Chenoa Anderson to compose “Unspun” (2024), a collection of solo flute music for which directed and created a fibre art based stop motion music video (Edmonton Arts Council). Her contributions to dance and instrumental music include commissions for harp and small ensembles for the Shumka School of Dance, and her recent choral work includes the 2024 commission “Воскресіння” / “Voskresinja” for Kappella Kyrie Slavic Chamber Choir.
Beyond her studio practice, Diana is an active leader, educator, and advocate within Edmonton’s contemporary music community, and holds Masters degrees in Slavic linguistics and music composition from the University of Alberta.
Senior Clinician – Mari Alice Conrad
Mari Alice Conrad is an award-winning Canadian composer, researcher, and doctoral student in composition at the University of Alberta. Her creative work spans orchestral, wind ensemble, choral, chamber, electronic, and interdisciplinary music, with a particular interest in how we experience sound through listening, movement, place, memory, and collaboration. She recently served as Composer Fellow with the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, and her music has been performed by ensembles across Canada, US, and Europe. She believes that learning to listen deeply can transform the way we perform, create, collaborate, and understand music.
