Paul Byssainthe, Jr. is an accomplished organist, conductor, and music director whose artistry bridges the worlds of sacred, classical, and theatrical music. He currently serves as Associate Organist at The Riverside Church, after previous tenures at Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, MD and at Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, MD.

Currently pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance at the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University, Paul also holds a Graduate Performance Diploma from Peabody and degrees in orchestral conducting and music from Andrews University. His performance engagements have included appearances at the Kennedy Center and Strathmore Hall, Washington National Cathedral, and solo recitals at various venues around the country. He is an active member of the AGO and recently completed a tenure as Dean of the DC Chapter.

Paul is currently serving as Associate Music Director for the revival of Ragtime at The Lincoln Center Theater, having recently completed a high-profile Broadway run as Music Director for The Wiz at the Marquis Theatre. His theatrical work also includes acclaimed productions like American Prophet at Arena Stage in DC, which earned him a Helen Hayes nomination for Outstanding Musical Direction.

Equally at home behind the organ console or on the conductor’s podium, Paul brings a deep sense of expression, theological insight, and musical excellence to every performance.

We thank the Friends of the Cathedral for their generous sponsorship of this series. For more information please visit their website.