Paul Halley

An English pianist whose recognition centers chiefly on his longstanding role in the Paul Winter Consort has nevertheless forged a notable path apart from the group. Halley completed a Master's degree at Cambridge, where he earned prizes in both composition and harpsichord performance, and was subsequently appointed Musical Director at New York's Cathedral of St. John the Divine. In that post he broadened the cathedral's programming to blend contemporary works with classical repertoire, while also creating choral compositions and Broadway scores. Halley first met Winter in 1980; the latter was the earliest to discern the keyboardist's skill at improvisation and extended an invitation to join the Paul Winter Consort. Halley has remained a featured performer on many of the ensemble's most distinguished albums.