“Paola is an artistic visionary….there is a kind of energy system that follows her and her work wherever she goes.”

– Philip Glass

“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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January 5, 2021
Paola Joins Apollo Theater and Kennedy Center for 'Active Hope' Podcast
The podcast kicks off with a live conversation on January 8 between Paola, Kamilah Forbes, and Marc Bamuthi Joseph.
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PERFORMANCES

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Contact Girls from Room 35

Erika Harrsch, visual artist Michael McQuilken, director Brad Peterson, lead animator Maya Beiser, cello Paola Prestini, composer

RECORDINGS

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December 4, 2020

Con Alma

Composer Paola Prestini and vocalist/composer Magos Herrera present Con Alma, an operatic tableau on isolation that will be released as an album recording and live digital experience, featuring original works alongside classic songs from the Mexican and Jazz songbook.

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COMPOSITIONS

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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.

Sensorium Ex

2023

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Opera

Commissioned by Beth Morrison Projects and the Atlanta Opera, impact producing by Enact Lab. Chamber Opera. Libretto by Brenda Shaugnessy, direction by Tomer Tzvulun.

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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December 8, 2020

Paola Prestini and Magos Herrera create music, community in isolation

When friends Paola Prestini and Magos Herrera came together to create the album “Con Alma,” the two composers closed the geographical gap between them by drawing on their 15-year-long friendship.

WNET All Arts
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