Marcus Nicolay Paus (born 14 October 1979) is a Norwegian classical composer and one of the most performed Norwegian composers of his generation. He is noted as a representative of a reorientation toward tradition, tonality and melody, and his works have been lauded by critics in Norway and abroad. His work includes chamber music, choral works, solo works, concerts, orchestral works, operas and symphonies, as well as works for theatre, film and television. In 2010, he was artistic director of the Oslo Opera Festival. He is a member of the Paus family and the son of the singers Ole Paus and Anne-Karine Strøm. His grandfather is General Ole Paus, and his great-grandfather was Norwegian consul-general in Vienna and estate owner Thorleif Paus. His great-great-grandfather, merchant Ole Paus, was a first cousin of Henrik Ibsen. He is married to author Hilde Lindset.