Paul Swensen, a native of Long Island, began his musical studies with Nancy Picart at age 6 on piano, and at age 8 began studying cello as well. While in high school he continued his cellistic studies with local teachers Matthew and Stacy Szabo and Michael Finckel at the pre-college program at the Mannes School of Music. He graduated from West Babylon High school in 2008 and was a Babylon Arts Council scholarship recipient.
Paul has participated in various music festivals including the Wintergreen Music Festival, Hot Springs Music Festival, Heifetz International Music Institute and Castleman's Quartet Program, and currently studies cello at SUNY Fredonia with Dr. Natasha Farny. Most recently, Paul was awarded the Isaac Stern Award for an outstanding string major and has served as a substitute cellist with the Buffalo Philharmonic. In addition, Paul has been selected to participate in a masterclass with Yo-Yo Ma during Mr. Ma's brief residency at SUNY Fredonia in December of 2011.
Mr. Swenson will be accompanied by Terence Purtell.
In various capacities as conductor, keyboardist, singer, and bell ringer, Terence has performed/ministered at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, St. Agnes Cathedral, and venues across Long Island. He specializes in sacred choral masterworks, mass choir projects, and genre crossovers.
