Celebrating Dr. Cobbs’ 40 years making music in our community - Congratulations!
Music Director & Conductor
Dr. Paul-Elliott Cobbs
Renowned in the cradle of 18th century classicism and 19th century romanticism - Vienna - and in Germany, Maestro Paul-Elliott Cobbs is a unique voice in the international music community.
Educated at the Akademie für Musik, Vienna, Cobbs possesses an intimate knowledge of European masterworks combined with rare expertise in American multiculturalism. His interpretation of William Grant Still's Afro-American Symphony - the subject of his doctoral thesis - is considered definitive by many.
A popular guest conductor, Cobbs appears frequently with orchestras and ensembles in Europe, Asia and the United States including Vienna's Festival Chamber Orchestra, members of the Dresden and Leipzig Opera, the Kamimura Wind Ensemble in Kagoshima, Japan; and the Seattle Symphony.
Cobbs’ 2006 sold-out appearance in Carnegie Hall was a resounding success. His reading of the Afro-American Symphony was the first on that stage since the composer conducted the work 30 years prior. In 2008, Cobbs conducted concerts in Baltimore, MD; Alexandria, VA; and Washington DC. Each received standing ovations.
In 2008, Cobbs received, with his wife, Loma, the Lifetime Achievement Award from ArtsFund, located in Seattle Washington.
Other recent appearances in Poland include Filharmonia Szczeinska, Szczecin; Filharmonia Opolska, Opole; Filharmonia Baltycka, Gdansk; and the Artur Rubinstein Philharmonic Orchestra, Lodz. Invitations to perform in England, Spain and China are under consideration.
A talented and inspirational educator, Cobbs is known for his insightful pre-concert lectures, educational and children' concerts, and his work with youth symphonies, school, regional and All-State orchestras.
Cobbs began his conducting career at age 21 as Associate Conductor of the Detroit Metropolitan Symphony, Principal Conductor of its chamber orchestra and frequent guest conductor of the Michigan Opera.