Paul Grabowsky
Pioneering jazz pianist and composer (VIC)
Paul Grabowsky is a distinguished Australian pianist, composer, arranger, and conductor. Raised in Melbourne, he began piano lessons at the age of five and later studied classical repertoire under Mack Jost at the University of Melbourne. His exposure to jazz while at Wesley College led him to further his studies at New York’s Juilliard School and extensive travel across Europe.
In the 1980s, Grabowsky formed the Paul Grabowsky Trio, which won the ARIA Award for Best Jazz Album in 1990. He also co-founded the Wizards of Oz ensemble, which received the same accolade in 1989. Beyond performance, Grabowsky has composed scores for numerous films, television series, and theatrical productions, collaborating with notable artists such as Chet Baker and Art Farmer.
As the founder of the Australian Art Orchestra, Grabowsky has been instrumental in blending jazz with other musical genres. His contributions to music have been widely recognised, earning him multiple ARIA Awards, Helpmann Awards, and a place as a World Soundtrack Academy Honorary Member. In 2014, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia for his services to music as an educator, mentor, composer, and pianist.
Paul is an extraordinary musician, a pianist of the utmost sensitivity. I very much enjoy being on stage with him, in particular listening to him play. When we play it’s like having a conversation using music as our language. I feel privileged to be singing with such a phenomenal musician. We try to make ‘art’ together… – Vince Jones
Image credit: Alice Healy
