Ethan Gough* is a Canadian bassist, composer, and producer based in St. John’s, Newfoundland with a strong dedication and passion for creating original contemporary art music. Gough’s works are quite methodical and sophisticated, and grapple with topics such as climate change and nature, mental health, and human connection.
The stylistic range of Gough’s compositions is dynamic and vast, regularly including elements of popular, electronic, jazz and contemporary classical music. This results in a unique compositional voice, often blurring the line between the synthetic and natural worlds. To enhance the world building around Gough’s compositions, he incorporates surreal aspects to his works such as electronics, projections or narrations alongside the music. His piece "...et le vent est silencieux" was recently a recipient of a 2025 Government of NL Arts and Letters award for a piece which "[showcased] an incredible sense of melody, harmony, and emotion," and is set to be premiered by the Newfoundland based Tenacious String Orchestra in their 2025-26 season. In addition working with Tenacious, other collaborations in this season include a premiere with the Gonzaga High School Concert Band on his piece “the echoes that still ring,” a piece written for the 2026 Ocean Ranger Memorial Service, the premiere of his orchestral work “between steps” with CALOS Youth Orchestras, and the premiere of his first choral work "crossing the sea takes time" with the Quintessential Vocal Ensemble.
Gough is also an avid performer. A bassist by trade, he performs with his school band, MUN Jazz Orchestra, MUN Wind Ensemble, CALOS Youth Orchestras, Spear Jazz Collective as well as his quartet, the Ethan Gough Project. He is also dedicated to community engagement, having served as a mentor for beginning band programs, a Junior Mentor for CALOS, and the Newfoundland Symphony’s Youth Ambassador for the 2025-26 season.
He is currently a grade 11 student at Gonzaga High School, intending on pursuing music in post-secondary. He currently studies composition with Jack Etchegary, and bass with Jim Vivian. When not composing or playing, you may find him spending time with his family and friends or enjoying some of his other hobbies including photography, biking and writing.
*A note on pronunciation: please read Gough as ‘Goff’ in performance contexts.
