Included in CBC Music’s 2017 edition of “30 Hot Canadian Classical Musicians under 30,” Paul Williamson is quickly establishing himself as one of Canada’s promising young pianists.  Paul received first prize at both the 2014 Canadian National Music Festival and the 2017 Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Association National Piano Competition in addition to three semifinal awards (for the best performances of Canadian, Chopin, and Baroque compositions).  As a soloist, he has appeared with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the University of Manitoba Symphony Orchestra, and the Fraser Valley Symphony Orchestra.  Most recently, Paul was a prizewinner in the 2020 WMC McLellan Competition.

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In recital, Paul has been featured by the Valley Concert Society, Virtuosi Recital Series, GroundSwell, the Hornby Festival, Colburn at the Steinway Gallery, and the Café Classico Series.  Paul has worked with and performed in masterclasses for such distinguished artists as Eliso Virsaladze, Robert McDonald, Yoheved Kaplinsky, Matti Raekallio, Yefim Bronfman, Paul Lewis, and others.  In performance, he has shared the stage with Aiyun Huang, Orli Shaham, and Jim Walker. He has participated in the Morningside Music Bridge International Music Festival, the Orford Academy program, the Scotia Festival of Music, and the Kneisel Hall Chamber Music Festival.

 

Having previously studied with Betty Suderman and Bernard Duerksen, Paul completed his Bachelors of Music at the University of Manitoba, studying under David Moroz.  In his freshman year, Paul was a winner of both the University of Manitoba’s annual concerto competition and the Lawrence Genser Scholarship Competition (for the most outstanding undergraduate performer).  During his undergraduate he also received 1st prize in the Women’s Musical Club of Winnipeg annual scholarship competition.

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Currently studying at the Colburn Conservatory of Music in the studio of Fabio Bidini, Paul recently completed his Masters of Music and is now pursuing an Artist Diploma degree.  At Colburn, Paul was a recipient of the inaugural Ida Levin award, given to a student with great dedication to chamber music.  Paul has performed for the Colburn Chamber Music Society and the Colburn Contemporary Ensemble.  At school he has also worked with Arnold Steinhardt, members of the Tokyo and St. Lawrence quartets, and has received additional guidance from Jean-Yves Thibaudet.  Paul is grateful for the support of the BC Arts Council.