Paul Tseng is a cellist, artistic director, and creative producer whose work brings together performance, leadership, and a clear artistic vision. He has appeared as a soloist, recitalist, orchestral, and chamber musician throughout the United States, Canada, Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and South Africa, with performances at venues including Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, and the Cairo Royal Opera House.
He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, where he specialized in Prokofiev’s cello music under Stephen Kates, and holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from The Juilliard School. His musical lineage traces back to Leonard Rose, Gregor Piatigorsky, and Mstislav Rostropovich through his teachers, and he studied chamber music with Samuel Sanders, Felix Galimir, and Earl Carlyss.
Paul has served as principal cellist of the Millbrook Orchestra and Gettysburg Symphony and as assistant principal of the Maryland Symphony under Barry Tuckwell. He has collaborated with artists such as Earl Carlyss, Ruth Inglefield, Amit Peled, Eugene Drucker, and pianist Victor Asuncion, longtime collaborator of the late Lynn Harrell, and continues to expand a network of meaningful musical partnerships across a wide range of repertoire.
In Southern California, Paul’s work has increasingly centered on building and shaping artistic experiences. As Artistic Director of the San Diego Music Society, he leads both the Intimate Classics series at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido and Music by the Sea in Encinitas. His role extends far beyond the stage—he curates programs, brings together artists, and creates concerts designed to connect more directly with audiences.
His performances are known not just for musical clarity and depth, but for a sense of presence and communication. Whether performing a quiet encore or speaking to audiences from the stage, he places a strong emphasis on connection—helping listeners feel engaged with the music in a more immediate and personal way.
That same approach carries into his broader work. Paul regularly creates opportunities for young musicians to perform alongside seasoned professionals, and his concerts have welcomed hundreds of students through complimentary access. These efforts reflect a commitment to both artistic excellence and the long-term growth of the musical community.
Recent appearances include performances as a soloist with the Coronado Philharmonia Orchestra and collaborations with leading artists across the chamber music world. His work has also reached wider audiences through a featured appearance on KUSI News and a TEDx talk exploring the impact of music on individuals and communities.
In 2025, Paul was recognized with the North County Arts Award for Best Local Performer by the California Center for the Arts, Escondido Foundation. The recognition reflects not only his work as a performer, but the broader impact of his efforts to bring high-level chamber music into the community.
At the center of his work is a simple aim: to present music with honesty, depth, and purpose—and to create experiences that stay with people beyond the performance itself.