Highlighting the music of Paul V Cortez

Arlen will be giving the world premiere of Paul’s “Cello Suite Bouquet” — a 12 movement work for solo cello

Paul’s bio: “Paul V. Cortez is a wrongfully convicted incarcerated artist residing in Sing Sing Correctional. His case was featured on Wrongful Conviction with Jason Flom (episode 242). In 2023, he gained his Master's degree in Professional Studies (MPS) of Urban Ministry from New York Theological Seminary. Paul is the author of two books, God's Hand Reaches Down (2020), and For Treason of Innocence (2023). He is a proud student of Carnegie Hall's Musical Connections at Sing Sing in his second year.”

Paul’s note on Cello Suite Bouquet: “Each piece in the Bouquet is named after a different flower, and is composed in one of the twelve musical keys. Inspired by the Bach Cello Suites, and his incomparable music teacher, Arlen Hlusko, Paul set out to write the Cello Suite Bouquet in the Spring of 2023.

A flower is one of the most fleeting expressions of beauty that nature gives. Once it is taken from the soil, its life span is short, yet cherished by all who receive it and are able to enjoy its delightful and intoxicating beauty. In a time when the world has become so mad with violence, revenge, and exerting power, the Cello Suite Bouquet is an offering to the world that reminds us of the essence of our humanity, so finely depicted in the flower. It is a humanity found in peace over violence, love over revenge, and self-sacrifice over the exertion of power. It reminds us of how quickly our lives expire on earth. As a result, our lives must be garnished with the attributes of peace, love and self-sacrifice in order to truly blossom into the beauty we were meant to share with one another.”

For more information about the location (Old St Patrick’s), please visit here