Paul Chan is one of the country’s leading organists with a magic combination of virtuoso keyboard skills, a big repertoire of music and a wonderful improviser. All of these qualities he has used with imagination and flair while presiding over the four-manual Willis organ as Director of Music and Organist for five years at St Matthew-in-the-City, Auckland. He was also the organ tutor at King’s College from 2016 to 2021.
Paul received his first musical training in Hong Kong from a young age and has recorded for Radio Television Hong Kong with a prize-winning performance. A former organ scholar of Auckland’s Holy Trinity Cathedral, Paul gained his music qualifications from the University of Waikato and the University of Auckland, in addition to several diplomas from the Royal Schools of Music and the Royal College of Organists. He holds a teaching diploma from ABRSM and was awarded a Fellowship Diploma in Organ by Trinity College London in 2018.
He has performed Saint-Saëns’ Organ Symphony with St Matthew’s Chamber Orchestra and given numerous organ recitals, including two at Auckland Town Hall, one of which includes his improvisation on the New Zealand National Anthem. During his time in Auckland, he also served at St Andrew’s First Presbyterian Church. Before moving to Nelson, he was a trustee of Auckland Town Hall Organ Trust and has served on the committee of Auckland Organ Association. He was appointed Organist at Nelson Cathedral in 2021.