Dr. Karen Sunabacka

Biography

Karen Sunabacka is an Associate Professor in Music at Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo. Her scholarly work and compositions are heavily influenced by her Métis heritage, focusing on women’s voices, electroacoustic music, and media representations of women and girls. Karen’s compositions often explore themes of identity and cultural heritage, drawing inspiration from her mixed Métis and European ancestry. She collaborates with her mother, Joyce Clouston, to create works that represent family stories and the intersections of Indigenous and Settler relations. Notable compositions include 'Mama’s Painting: Louis Riel’s Dream' for piano quartet and 'Place Creator Rests,' blending spoken voices and piano trio. Her music incorporates sounds from the Canadian wilderness and has been performed by prominent ensembles such as the Montreal Metropolitan Orchestra and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Additionally, she has presented numerous papers at music conferences and has contributed actively to the Canadian music community through teaching and mentorship. Karen's work has been recognized with various awards, including the Great Calm composition accolade at the Winnipeg New Music Festival.

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