Paul Kerekes was bo
rn in Huntington, New York. His music has been described as “striking…ecstatic…dramatic” (WQXR), “highly eloquent” (New Haven Advocate), and able to create “an almost tactile picture” (The New York Times).
He has had the privilege of hearing his music performed by TwoSense, New Morse Code, American Composers Orchestra, Second Instrumental Unit, Stonewall Chorale, Mannes Preparatory Division Choir, Norfolk Contemporary Ensemble, cellist Nicholas Photinos, flutist Kelli Kathman, and saxophonist/composer Ed Rosenberg in such venues as (le) poisson rouge, The Dimenna Center, Symphony Space, Centre de musique Hindemith, Lefrak Hall, and Central Park.
He has also attended notable programs such as MusicX, Yale’s New Music Workshop in Norfolk, Connecticut, California Summer Music, the Young Artists Piano Program at Tanglewood, and Stony Brook Summer Music Festival. Additionally, he has participated in master classes both as a composer and pianist with Lisa Moore, Lisa Kaplan, Joel Hoffman, and Bright Sheng.
In June 2012, Paul joined forces with 5 of New York City’s top pianists to form Grand Band, whose debut was featured on Bang on a Can’s annual marathon. Grand Band has been described by The New York Times as, “The Travelling Wilbury’s of the city’s new music piano scene.”
Paul is currently pursuing an M.M.A. at Yale School of Music studying with David Lang. He received his undergraduate degree from Queens College where he primarily studied with Bruce Saylor. Past teachers include Martin Bresnick, Christopher Theofanidis, Ezra Laderman, David Schober, Edward Smaldone, and Eleanor Cory.
website: www.paulkerekes.com
About his piece for the Hammerklavier project (2013):
"The musical characteristics of my piece are derived from the alluring image of frenzied sparks flying. Two contrasting characteristics can be extracted from this imaginary picture: exciting shreds of light randomly dart in every direction, which is reflected in the outer sections of the piece, and surround an introspective middle where smoke slowly rises from remnants of flares."