Birth

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June 22, 1931 in New York City, NY

Death

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September 25, 1983 in New York City, NY

Genre

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Keyboard

 

Paul Jacobs is a renowned American organist and conductor, known for his virtuosic performances and innovative programming. Born on July 22, 1977, in Washington, D.C., Jacobs showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of four. He later discovered the organ and was immediately drawn to its power and versatility. Jacobs received his early musical training at the American Boychoir School in Princeton, New Jersey, where he sang in the choir and studied piano and organ. He continued his studies at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in organ performance under the tutelage of John Weaver. He later earned a Master of Music degree and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Juilliard School in New York City, where he studied with Paul Jacobs (no relation) and William Bolcom. Jacobs made his professional debut at the age of 23, performing at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. He quickly established himself as a rising star in the classical music world, earning critical acclaim for his performances and recordings. In 2003, he became the first organist to receive a Grammy Award for Best Instrumental Soloist Performance (without orchestra) for his recording of Olivier Messiaen's "Livres d'orgue." Jacobs has performed at many of the world's most prestigious concert halls and festivals, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, the Berlin Philharmonic, the Salzburg Festival, and the BBC Proms. He has collaborated with many of the world's leading orchestras and conductors, including the New York Philharmonic, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the London Symphony Orchestra. One of Jacobs' most notable performances was his 2008 recital at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, where he performed the complete organ works of J.S. Bach in a single day. The marathon performance, which lasted over nine hours, was hailed as a triumph of endurance and musicianship. In addition to his performing career, Jacobs is also a respected educator and conductor. He has served on the faculty of the Juilliard School since 2003 and has also taught at the Curtis Institute of Music and the Manhattan School of Music. He has conducted many of the world's leading orchestras, including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the San Francisco Symphony. Jacobs has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including the Harvard University Distinguished Alumni Award, the Curtis Institute of Music Alumni Award, and the Juilliard School's William Schuman Award for Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in Music. He was also named a MacArthur Fellow in 2018, receiving a "genius grant" from the MacArthur Foundation in recognition of his exceptional talent and creativity. Despite his many accomplishments, Jacobs remains committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and exploring new avenues of expression. He has commissioned and premiered many new works for the organ, including pieces by composers such as Christopher Rouse, Samuel Adler, and Nico Muhly. He has also collaborated with artists from other genres, such as the jazz pianist Aaron Diehl and the singer-songwriter Sting. In conclusion, Paul Jacobs is a remarkable musician whose talent, dedication, and innovation have made him one of the most respected and influential organists of his generation.

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