“New York retains a remarkable cadre of composers... but chief among these is the singular figure of Paola Prestini.”

– Financial Times

“Ms. Prestini is known for pushing the boundaries of classical music, in part through collaborations — with poets, filmmakers and conservationists, among others.”

– The Wall Street Journal

Through an illustrious career being equal parts creator and connector, composer Paola Prestini is known both for her “otherworldly…outright gorgeous” music (The New York Times), as well as the “visionary-in-chief” (Time Out New York) and Co-Founder/Artistic Director of the non-profit music organization National Sawdust.

Over 25 large scale artistic works are the result of Prestini joining forces with conservationists, poets, virtual reality film directors, astrophysicists, and puppeteers.

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LATEST NEWS

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September 14, 2021
Announcing Paola's 2021-22 Season
The composer's season includes residencies, album releases, and world premiere performances.
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PERFORMANCES

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The Red Book at Caramoor

Thalea Quartet performs the world premiere of Paola's string quartet 'The Red Book' at Caramoor on April 11, 2021

RECORDINGS

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September 10, 2021

Houses of Zodiac: Poems for Cello

On September 10, 2021, composer Paola Prestini and cellist Jeffrey Zeigler released 'Houses of Zodiac: Poems for Cello,' an album, film, and immersive video installation that combines spoken word, movement, music, and image to explore the intersection of mind, body, and nature.

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COMPOSITIONS

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Sensorium Ex

2024

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Opera

Commissioned by Beth Morrison Projects and the Atlanta Opera, libretto by Brenda Shaughnessy Direction by Vita Tzykun, Choreography by Jerron Herman, Impact Producers EnactLab.

Old Man and The Sea

2023

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Opera

Cello grand opera inspired by Hemmingway. Libretto by Royce Vavrek, direction by Karmina Šilec, produced by Beth Morrison Projects. Workshop and premiere, The Croatian National Theater.

Untitled, inspired by Film Stills

2021

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Opera

Monodrama for mezzo soprano, piano and electronics. Co-commissioned by the Kennedy Center, San Diego Opera, The Momentary at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Arts and National Sawdust.

“New York retains a remarkable cadre of composers...chief among these is the singular figure of Paola Prestini”

– Financial Times

RECENT PRESS

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October 19, 2021

NEW MUSIC TUESDAY | Composer Paola Prestini's "Ophelia"

The piece was recently performed by Paola Prestini's husband and cellist, Jeffrey Zeigler, as part of the "Death of Classical" concert series taking place in New York City's catacombs

Violin Channel
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