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The English baritone, Paul Smith, began his musical life began as a treble in Westminster Abbey Choir. His singing continued at Bedford School, where he held a music scholarship, and later at King’s College, Cambridge, during his gap year. Whilst studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics (PPE) at the University of York, he spent much of his time performing musical theatre and jazz, most notably appearing in a production of Leonard Bernstein's Candide. At this time he was also a member of the RSCM’s Millennium Youth Choir.
Upon graduating from the University of York in 2004, Paul Smith embarked upon a successful career in corporate training and events with the New London Orchestra and the Irish Chamber Orchestra. In August 2006, he assumed the position of CEO for Voces Cantabiles Music (VCM) Foundation - the charitable trust for which Voces8 is the flagship ensemble He was a founder member of Voces8 and sang with the group for 11 years. His light baritone made him the perfect choice for Voces8′s early repertoire. An experienced performer in jazz and music theatre, he also provides the group with the American twang for the lighter repertoire. A height-based comedic partnership with his fellow bass, Dingle Yandell, has amused audiences the world over. Having retired from his singing duties, he now travels with the group as Education and Workshop Leader.
Alongside his singing duties with Voces8, Paul Smith leads the Hatch My Ideas! initiative run by Voces Cantabiles Music. He shines both as a Workshop Leader and Manager, and the projects he and his team have designed have innovated music education in UK. He is the author of the Voces8 Method and gives lectures and master-classes worldwide. He currently lives in London, England. His brother is the counter-tenor Barnaby Smith. |
