top of page

JOELYSA PANKANEA | ABOUT

BIO

Joelysa Pankanea is a multiple award-winning composer, musical director, percussionist, and sound designer whose work spans over two decades of innovation and artistry. Known for her distinct musical voice, Joelysa’s compositions have resonated with audiences across Canada, earning critical acclaim and creating lasting connections with diverse communities. Her music, often darkly rich and minimalist with a haunting quality, is defined by a strong flair for melody and a unique ability to evoke deep emotion. Joelysa has composed over a dozen large-scale musicals and has contributed to more than 100 projects, ranging from film scores to choral works, podcasts and chamber orchestras. Her versatility as both a composer and sound designer has allowed her to bring a unique depth and emotional resonance to each project she undertakes. With a deep commitment to both the creative process and collaborative artistry, Joelysa’s music reflects her passion for storytelling and a gift for shaping sound in ways that captivate, inspire, and move listeners.

GSCover%2520Jpeg_edited_edited.jpg

Photo: Matthias Falvai

AWARDS & PRESS

Podcast of the Year Award 2024, American Writing Awards

17 x Jessie Award nominee

4 x Jessie Award winner

Fantasy/Sci-Fi Film Fest winner

Leo Award nominee

M Award winner

Positive Change Podcast winner

2x Signal Award winner

Green Award (PACT)

 

"I’m also a big fan of Joelysa Pankanea’s sound design and compositions, especially the subtlety of the ambient sounds she uses, including distant rumblings and the quiet whinnying of a lone horse."

-Colin Thomas

“The offstage star of this production is Joelysa Pankanea whose music makes this production remarkable....simple and beautiful. Solemn. Contemplative. Meditative. Zen” 

-Jo Ledingham

“Joelysa Pankaneaʼs hypnotic music swells, and the actorsʼ speech mutates into song. The simple power of it all is enough to make you weep.” 

-The Georgia Straight

 

“...composer and musical director Joelysa Pankaneaʼs orchestrations add a magical musical thread, often reminiscent of Philip Glass”

-The Vancouver Sun

“Playing harp, marimba, and bass, the musicians create a more haunting atmosphere than some full orchestra pits can conjure...the 11 member cast sings Pankanea’s mesmerizing harmonies throughout.”    

-The Georgia Straight

“Pankaneaʼs music is essential to the multi-layered effect The Life Inside produces. Her music is introspective and tinged with sadness - it brought to mind Góreckiʼs Symphony of Sorrowful Songs.” 

-The Times-Colonist

“Pankanea's music is to The Life Inside what cracking good dialogue is to a Mamet play—engaging, enjoyable and what most people will likely remember.”

-Monday Magazine

“...everyone’s in fine form when they harmonize the haunting music of Joelysa Pankanea...” 

-The Vancouver Sun

Photo: Shimon Karmel

imdb-logo-transparent_edited.png
bottom of page