Energetic, engaging, and enthusiastic about the spiritual power of music, the newly appointed Church on the Cape organist and music director looks forward to learning from and growing with the established musical program in place.
Paul Stephan took on the role as the organist and music director at the Church on the Cape in September of 2023, with a goal of celebrating the talent and capabilities of the parishioners and those who have created a solid musical foundation at the historical church over the years.
“The Church on the Cape is a wonderful congregation, full of giving, gracious, happy people. The music program is in great shape-the choir is vibrant, filled with many people who love to bring their music into the Church.” He added “I have eclectic tastes in music and love everything from classical to gospel and country. As a director, I like to showcase the best that the people I’m working with can give. But I also like to urge them to be a little bit better than they thought they could be. I love it when someone ‘ups their game’ and grows.”
COTC parishioner Kathy Berger said “Church on the Cape is known for its beautiful music, talented musicians, and singers. We were so excited to welcome Paul Stephan as our Music Director, Organist, and Pianist. Paul brings energy and superb musicality to our Sunday services and music programs. We welcome the public to visit and enjoy an hour of peace and music at COTC.”
Church member Tom Bradbury added “How blessed we are to have Paul as the church organist and music director. Each Sunday is like going to a concert.” Bradbury compared Stephan’s style, manner, and approach to that of the late Keith McClelland, a beloved music teacher in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport and an integral part of the COTC congregation and music program for many years.
Having worked in large cities, Stephan said he hopes to take his experiences working and learning in diverse populations to open the doors inclusively to all who are interested in music, fellowship, and worship at The Church on the Cape.
Bio:
Stephan is a graduate of Ithaca College and the University of Utah, where he received a Master of Fine Arts in writing and directing musical theatre.
He is an award-winning musical performer with an extensive background as a composer, coach, and musical director. He is the founder and artistic director of Cantus a chamber choir in NYC and was co-founder and artistic director for the New Opera Group, directing and conducting performances for 12 operas, including three NY and one American premieres.
He is the musical director/arranger for the cabaret hits "3 Tenors in Search of an Act", "Sue & Edd's FABULOUS Christmas” and "Carol Channing in Concert" starring Richard Skipper, as well as musically directing "Romantic Notions" a cabaret show featuring Edd Clark. His musical, “Trudy,” premiered at Theatre 138 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Church on the Cape located at 3 Langsford Rd, Cape Porpoise Maine. Sing along every Sunday starting at 9:45 AM followed by worship at 10:00 or online streaming via YouTube.
To reach out to Paul, and or FMI on COTC: https://www.churchonthecape.org/
By: Shelley Wigglesworth. lead writer