Paul Berlinsky

Paul Berlinsky is a composer and performer based in Kansas City, MO. His music explores the intangible space between tone and noise, as well as the emotional impact of layering these elements. Paul’s music has been described as “dark and satisfying to listen to” (Sound Currents) and “beautiful, mysterious and eerie” (Nan Dale). He writes music for soloists, chamber groups, and large ensembles.

Paul’s music has been performed and recorded by musicians and ensembles around the country, including JACK Quartet, duo per se, Hub New Music, Transient Canvas, Plaza Winds, Florida Gulf Coast University Wind Orchestra, and soloist Gözde Çakir (flute). Paul has received honors and awards for his work, including a 2021 and 2022 ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award, with the panel recognizing him with the 2021 Leo Kaplan Award, first prize in the 2019 Arnold Salop Memorial Competition, and an appointment as the 2019 composer in residence with wind quintet Plaza Winds.

Berlinsky received his master’s degree in music composition from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, where he studied with Chen Yi, Zhou Long, Paul Rudy and Yotam Haber. During his time at UMKC, he was able to take lessons with composers Anthony R. Green, Amy Williams, Evan Chambers and Ingrid Stölzel. He holds an undergraduate degree in music education from Florida Gulf Coast University, studied composition with Jason Bahr and Shawn Allison.