Paul Nicholson Chicago IL, Well-known Director of Music has died

Paul Nicholson Death – Paul Nicholson, a resident of Chicago, Illinois, well-known musician, and former Director of Music for Saint Clement Parish in Lincoln Park has sadly passed away. He was announced dead through a social media publication made on Monday, August 14th, 2023. The circumstances surrounding his cause of death were not immediately made public by the family at the time of this publication.

Paul Nicholson played for lessons in my studio when he was a freshman at Concordia University. I was 26 and it was my first year of college-level teaching. The following year he started taking voice lessons and quickly grew into a lovely singer. He was also a fine composer. Through the years it was a joy to see all he pursued. The excellence that was evident at the age of 18 had a future with great impact for many singers, ensembles, and churches in our Chicago musical world. We were all blessed for his God-given gifts.
Rest in peace, dear Paul.

Who was Paul Nicholson?

Paul Nicholson, a distinguished figure in the Chicago music scene, was a conductor, vocal coach, composer, accompanist, and singer who left an indelible mark on the world of music. With a career spanning several decades, Paul conducted prestigious ensembles including the William Ferris Chorale, His Majesties Clerkes, the Scholars of Cambrai, and the Schola Cantorum of St. Peter’s in the Loop.

Notably, he held the position of Director of Music for over ten years at Saint Clement Parish in Lincoln Park. At DePaul University, he was both an Associate Conductor of the University Singers and a principal accompanist. Paul’s influence extended beyond conducting as he was an integral part of various musical institutions.

He contributed to the Glen Ellyn Children’s Chorus as a staff member and served as an accompanist for faculties at Roosevelt University, Lake Forest College, Concordia University, Columbia College, and the Chicago Studio for Professional Singing. His vocal talents led him to perform with esteemed groups like the Chicago Symphony and Grant Park Choruses, collaborating with renowned conductors such as Leonard Slatkin, James Levine, James Conlon, Sir George Solti, and Robert Shaw.

About Paul Nicholson

Paul’s compositions, both vocal and instrumental, were recognized and recorded on notable labels including Cedille, Imaginary Road, and Polygram.  He showcased his versatility as a musician by appearing both as a keyboardist and a singer on Live from Studio One on WFMT. He further enriched his musical portfolio with guest appearances with ensembles like the Grant Park Symphony and Chorus, the Newberry Consort, the Haymarket Opera Company, Apollo Chorus, and Baroque Band.

Originally hailing from Dubuque, Iowa, Paul attended Hempstead High School as part of the class of 1981. He pursued Composition at Concordia Chicago and also delved into Music Education. In September 2011, he united in marriage with Lee Hubbell. His social media profile revealed that he was a beloved brother to Ruth Nicholson Klepfer, indicating the importance of family in his life.

Paul Nicholson’s obituary and funeral arrangements will be released by the family at a later date.

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