A leading figure in Minnesota's classical composing circle and an author of nearly 60 orchestral scores, 10 operas and 150 choral pieces, Stephen Paulus has died. He was 65. The Twin Cities composer, who might be best known for his 1982 opera The Postman Always Rings Twice, suffered a stroke last year that had been affecting his health up until he died Sunday, Oct. 19.
Choral director Dale Warland, who commissioned many of Paulus's works, said he first met the composer as an undergraduate at Macalester College.
Warland felt that he brought a fresh perspective to his productions and was quoted at MPR News saying:
"He knew the potential for vocal colors, extreme registers, you name it, he just had that skill to bring something that really became part of our diet, every concert practically."
Son Greg Paulus said his father died at an assisted living facility.
Watch the Nordic Choir perform The Old Church by Paulus below:
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