A native of Iowa, Cary John Franklin was educated at Macalester College where he studied with Dale Warland and at the University of Minnesota, where he worked with the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Dominick Argento. He recently completed a tenure as Meet The Composer Composer-in-Residence with VocalEssence. He has written a wide range of works including four operas, several works for large orchestra as well as chamber and choral music. His works have been performed by VocalEssence, Chanticleer, Kansas City Symphony, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, Washington National Opera, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Cedar Rapids Symphony, Nashville Symphony, Schubert Club of Saint Paul and the Dale Warland Singers.

Mr. Franklin is a member of the Board of the American Composers Forum, a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and the recipient of numerous awards and honors including a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, Meet the Composer Awards and fellowships from the Minnesota State Arts Board and Schubert Club of Saint Paul.

Cary John Franklin is an Assistant Professor of Music at Macalester College where conducts the Macalester Symphony and Wind Ensemble and teaches Music Theory.