Paul Moravec

Full biography Paul Moravec

Composer Paul Moravec is a Pulitzer Prize-winning American composer known for his versatile and soulful music. He was born in 1957 in Buffalo, New York, and grew up in a family of music lovers. He started his musical journey by playing guitar and piano, and soon became interested in composing.

Moravec received his education in music from Harvard University and Columbia University, where he studied under noted composers such as Mario Davidovsky, George Edwards, and Jack Beeson. He has been a faculty member at Adelphi University since 2007, and has also worked as a guest professor at various other universities across the United States.

Moravec's music is known for its emotional depth and soulfulness. He has composed in a wide range of genres, including opera, choral music, orchestral music, and chamber music. His work often draws on personal experiences, such as his upbringing in Western New York or his experiences as a father.

Moravec's most notable works include "Sanctuary Road," an oratorio about the Underground Railroad, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018, and "The Shining," an opera based on the novel by Stephen King. His works have been performed by major orchestras and ensembles around the world, such as the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center.

In addition to his work as a composer, Moravec is also an advocate for music education, and has served on the board of the Music Educators National Conference and the American Composers Forum. He continues to influence the world of classical music through his innovative compositions and commitment to music education.