R. Murray Schafer was a Canadian composer, music educator, and environmentalist, born on July 18, 1933, in Toronto, Ontario. He is best known for his pioneering work in the field of acoustic ecology, which studies the relationship between humans and their environment through sound. Schafer founded the World Soundscape Project in the 1970s, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of sound in our surroundings. In addition to his contributions to acoustic ecology, Schafer composed numerous works for various ensembles and orchestras. His notable compositions include Patria, a series of music-theatre works that explore themes of nature and culture. Schafer's influence extends beyond music, as he has also written extensively on the philosophy of sound and its impact on society.