Raymond Murray Schafer was born on July 18, 1933 in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. He was a composer and writer, known for xXx (2002), Lilly (1993) and Carnival of Shadows (1989). He was married to Phyllis Mailing, Eleanor James and Jean Reed. He died on August 14, 2021 in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
He is a composer who is noted both for his chamber music and for large-scale theatrical works. He is interested in myth, ritual, audience participation and the sound elements of environmentalism. He has also written works for solo voice and chorus.