Grammy nominated arranger, producer, songwriter and performer Paul Psarras was thrust into music and dance at an early age. Whether playing traditional Greek music with his twin brother or listening to family favourites such as Elvis, The Beatles or The Beach Boys, Paul’s musical palette draws from a broad range of influences.

Now, one of the world’s most versatile performers, Paul first began playing keyboard and guitar before the age of six. He later took up the saxophone, oud, tzoura, saz, and eventually the classical guitar. Paul credits his teachers throughout school as indelible influences in teaching him about the artistic integrity he embodies today. Ultimately, Paul pursued two performance degrees from The San Francisco Conservatory. While at the Conservatory, his collaborations with world-renowned artists continue to rank as some of his most inspiring to date.

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In forging a career in Greek music, Paul recently got the chance to record in Athens, Greece with highly acclaimed industry producers and studio musicians. His long list of concert appearances and performances have also led him to share the stage with some of the biggest names in Greek pop music in esteemed venues from New York’s Carnegie Hall to the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles.

While Paul continues to embrace a variety of musical styles, he has recently set his eyes on the pop music scene, with the encouragement of Grammy-winning producer Jeff Bova. The result of this collaboration is Paul’s first ever, English-language pop track, “Black and Blue,” a mysteriously deep and heartfelt yet accessible pop tune.

“Black and Blue” is just the beginning as Paul looks to release his first ever English-language album by the end of the year.

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Career highlights

Paul Psarras recorded his first solo guitar album, “Cascade”, in 2017, however his storied performance career predates the release of that album.

Some highlights include:

  • Grammy-nomination for his role in the album “Kingdoms of Castille”, with period music specialists El Mundo (2012)
  • Featured classical guitar soloist with various orchestras spanning California for his performance of Rodrigo’s, “Concierto de Aranjuez” (2011-2016)
  • Performed with the San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Symphony (2010-2011)
  • Featured on RTS (Radio Television Suisse) for his performance in the Fete de Geneve in Geneva, Switzerland (2014)
  • Chosen as 1 of 8 global finalists in the Falletta International Guitar Competition in Buffalo, New York (2016)
  • Featured in the all-star San Francisco group Pacific Guitar Ensemble, debuting his original composition “Alkioni” for oud and guitars (2011)