Jessica MacIsaac is a composer from Mi’gma’gi (Nova Scotia), Canada. Their work focuses on the sonic expression of emotions and memory, often featuring both delicate and harsh soundscapes in juxtaposition. The music they create aims to evoke nostalgia, beauty, and unease with elements of storytelling guiding their pieces in both direct and hidden ways.

Jessica’s music is inspired by early years involved in theatre and dance, as well as a love for film scores. They have had the privilege to work with performers and ensembles such as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Symphony Nova Scotia, Dalhousie Symphony Orchestra, Trio Immersio, the Maritime Brass Quintet, the Quasar Saxophone Quartet, Quartetto Indaco, Stephanie Lamprea, Fiona Winning, Anna Han, Frankie Carr, and SoYoung Choi. They are a two-time recipient of the Kenneth Elloway Award, as well as multiple scholarships from the Nova Scotia Talent Trust, Fountain School of Performing Arts, and Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Jessica’s work includes authoring several articles and essays, as well as work in arts administration. Their writings appear in publications such as The Signal and Nota Bene: Canadian Undergraduate Journal of Musicology. They have worked in administrative roles for organizations such as CKDU 88.1 FM, the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, Atlantic Festivals of Music, and Theatre Nova Scotia.

Jessica holds a MMus in composition from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, as well as a BMus with a minor in Journalism Studies from Dalhousie University (CAN). They have been fortunate to study closely with Drs. Jérôme Blais, Oliver Searle, Linda Buckley, Emily Doolittle, and Bekah Simms. They are currently based in Glasgow.