Carmen Braden is a dynamic force in the world of new music, hailing proudly from Yellowknife NWT. As a performer, Carmen is “growing into the role of acoustic ambassador of the Canadian Subarctic” (Musicworks). She has played intimate theatres and MainStage folk festivals. Her contemporary classical compositions are nationally recognized, with commissions and performances by world class ensembles and performers including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, James Ehnes and the Canadian Chamber Choir. She released her second album Songs of the Invisible Summer Stars in 2019, her first album Ravens in 2017. She won the Western Canadian Music Award for Classical Composer of the Year in 2020 and 2019, and has nominations for ECMA Classical Album of the Year (2020), WCMA Classical Artist of the Year (2019), and WCMA Classical Composition of the Year (2017). Carmen has been called “a talented, bold musician” (Up Here Magazine). About her latest album:“Braden’s music is clear, and it is bright...this recording is captured psychogeography.” (Whole Note); and her songwriting: is “quirky and clever...à la Joni Mitchell” (The WholeNote). As an educator, Carmen regularly gives workshops, individual instruction, guest lectures and collaboration facilitation ranging from elementary-level to university graduate level.