Karl Paulnack

Artist Biography

Hailed by the Boston Globe as "a firecracker of a pianist" and "master of his instrument," Karl Paulnack has partnered vocal and instrumental soloists, chamber groups, orchestras, conductors and opera companies in nearly a thousand concerts throughout North America and Europe. His regular recital partners include violinist Jorja Fleezanis, soprano Lucy Shelton and numerous chamber ensembles.

A frequent performer of new music, Paulnack has been privileged to work closely with many of the important composers of our time, including John Adams, Elliott Carter, George Crumb, Karel Husa, Steve Reich and Joan Tower in preparing performances of their works. In describing the Tanglewood premiere of Elliott Carter's "Of Challenge and of Love" with Lucy Shelton, the Boston Globe's Richard Dyer cited Paulnack's "commanding" performance as "a standard to aspire to." Paulnack has appeared as a featured guest on such public radio programs as Saint Paul Sunday, Performance Today and Morning Pro Musica, as well as on American Public Media and BBC television. Recordings of his performances may be found on the Koch, Seamus, Innova and Capstone Labels.

Paulnack has served as director of the Boston Conservatory’s music division since 2002.