Paolo Griffin is a composer and curator based in Toronto/Tkarón:to whose work centers co-creation with performers, collaborating closely with friends and colleagues in a practice that spans sound, performance, text, improvisation, and includes the creation of notated music, live performance installations, and text/event scores.
With music described as “…[placing] the listener in a kind of sonic microgravity” (PANM360), Paolo’s compositional approach combines explorations of tuning systems with a rigorous, process-based approach to sonic form, structure, and forms of action/interaction between processes.
Paolo is the Artistic & Executive director of Freesound, a Toronto-based contemporary music collective of eight performers that emphasizes collaboration and experimentation. 2024-25 season highlights include performances of music by Laure M. Hiendl, Martin Arnold, Kotoka Suzuki, and more.
2025 composition projects include a new piece for glockenspiel and electronics for Toronto-based percussionist Nathan Petitpas, a new performance installation for harp and electronics for Florida-based harpist Nöel Wan, and participation in the Ostrava New Music Days Institute & Festival.
Paolo is an advocate of accessible arts and disability inclusive practices and works as the Managing Director of Xenia Concerts, each year designing and delivering adaptive, accessible, and sensory-friendly concerts for the autism and disability communities.
Paolo has given talks on his work in public and private settings, including lectures on his compositional practice at universities in The Netherlands, Finland, and Canada, and talks on his work in disability arts to charities, universities, and community organizations.
Paolo is currently the Board Chair of Musicworks Magazine and sits on the Toronto Arts Council Music Policy Committee. His work is supported by the Canada Council for the Arts, the Toronto Arts Council, The Canadian Music Centre, the Ontario Arts Council, the SOCAN Foundation, and the Canadian New Music Network.