iSound

Paul Schwartz grew up with a Jewish father - legendary film composer Arthur Schwartz - and Catholic mother, and his interest in ancient religious texts came from singing in choirs and attending a high school in London that was next to Westminster Abbey, where he was required to attend services each day. The native New Yorker (where he lived till he was 12) developed an intense dual affinity for old cathedrals and religious music, which for him offered a true and meaningful connection to the spiritual. Several years ago, he conducted a series of orchestral concerts at Lincoln Center to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of his father, whose credits include "Dancing in the Dark," "That's Entertainment" and "The Band Wagon." While Arthur was considered a grand old man of musical theatre, Paul Schwartz launched his own career in classical music, serving as Assistant Conductor of the Pittsburgh Symphony upon appointment by Andre Previn. Conducting...