New Jersey-based Paul Conrad received his B.M. in piano performance and M.M. in collaborative piano from Mason Gross School of the Arts. He is in high demand as an accompanist for both soloists and ensembles as a staff pianist at MGSA. Paul was selected twice as Accompanying Apprentice at Berkshire Choral International, where he played master classes with prominent singers and conductors, including Tim LeFebvre, Jerry Blackstone, David Hayes, and Craig Hella Johnson.
Paul is the recipient of many collegiate awards, including the RUGC Aspinall Award, Presser Foundation Award, Arthur G. Humphrey Memorial Prize, and the NJ State Governor’s Scholarship. Under the direction of MGSA professor Min Kwon, he performed at Weill Recital Hall as part of a Franz Liszt 200th Anniversary Recital. Paul sang with and now accompanies the Rutgers University Glee Club, the university’s internationally acclaimed male choir, conducted by Dr. Patrick Gardner, as well as the university’s premiere mixed ensemble, Kirkpatrick Choir.
Throughout his studies of collaboration and chamber music, Paul has received coaching from artists Barbara Gonzalez-Palmer, Allison Brewster-Franzetti, Matti Hirvonen, and Warren Jones. He has worked extensively as pianist and musical director in collaboration with soprano Lori Mirabel for the Maplewood/South Orange Coalition on Race child-friendly operatic productions, including Robert Kapilow’s adaptations on Dr. Seuss’ Green Eggs and Ham and Gertrude McFuzz, as well as Verdi’s Aida and Dvořák’s Rusalka.
Paul is an avid ballet pianist, playing regularly for the Rutgers University Dance Department, Lustig Dance Theatre (New Brunswick, NJ), and annually at the Cecchetti International Summer School at Hope College, MI. Paul also accompanies the Highland Park Community Chorus (NJ) under the direction of Benjamin T. Berman, and serves choir director and organist at Middlebush Reformed Church in Franklin, NJ.
Originally a Berkshire Scholar at BCI, Paul returns for his seventh season this year, where he will be an accompanist faculty member in Boston.