James Paul
Music Director, Oregon Coast Music Festival
Music Director and Conductor, Oregon Festival of American Music

James Paul has served as Conductor and Music Director of the Festival Orchestra since 1991, and is widely acclaimed as one of North America's most distinguished conductors. His illustrious career has included guest appearances with some of the world’s finest orchestras, such as the London Symphony Orchestra and a guest appearance with the Cleveland Orchestra that was broadcast over National Public Radio. Maestro Paul made his Paris debut with the Orchestre Symphonique Français and has appeared with nearly every major North American orchestra, including the National Symphony in Washington D.C., the orchestras of Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Houston, Dallas, Seattle, San Antonio, Oakland, Honolulu, and the National Symphony of Mexico. In addition to his position with OCMA, he holds the permanent post as music director and conductor of the Oregon Festival of American Music. His recent appearances include a first-ever performance in Mexico with the Xalapa Symphony Orchestra, and conducting the world premiere performances of the ballet "Tom Sawyer" with the Eugene Ballet at the Hult Center in Eugene.