PIP: A Night of Music and Reflection at Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral

On Tuesday night, April 1, my friends and I attended a very special concert of classical music at the Basilica of Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The event was held in honor of Lent, the Christian season of reflection, repentance, and preparation leading up to Easter. Lent is traditionally observed through fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, serving as a time for believers to deepen their faith and contemplate the sacrifice of Christ.

What made this concert truly unique was the story behind its composer, Paul Cortez. Cortez, a composer, musician, and writer, created this profound work while incarcerated at Sing Sing, a maximum-security prison in upstate New York. His artistic journey has been deeply shaped by his faith and life experiences, inspiring compositions that explore themes of mercy, reconciliation, and spiritual freedom.

Paul is a graduate of Sing Sing’s New York Theological Seminary master’s program and has been an active participant in Carnegie Hall’s Musical Connections initiative. Under the mentorship of celebrated cellist Arlen Hlusko, he composed a 12-movement cello suite, Clemencia, portions of which were performed at the concert.

Cortez’s work bridges worlds rarely connected—bringing a profound message of clemency and redemption to communities beyond prison walls. He credits Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Carnegie Hall’s Manuel Bagorro, Arlen Hlusko, and Father Zachariah Presutti, SJ, as guiding influences in his artistic and spiritual growth. His dedication to music, literature, and spiritual expression exemplifies his commitment to transforming personal hardship into artistic and spiritual liberation.

Experiencing his music in such a sacred space made the evening especially moving. The cathedral’s grand architecture and solemn atmosphere enhanced the emotional depth of the performance, allowing the audience to reflect on themes of forgiveness, faith, and human resilience. Paul Cortez’s journey and artistry remind us that beauty and redemption can emerge even from the most challenging circumstances. His compositions are not just music; they are testaments to the power of faith and perseverance.