videO
FIRE-AND-ICE-BODIED-DOUBLED-UP-WITHDRAWAL-ANXIETY (2023)
II. Agitated and possessed
by Kelly-Marie Murphy
Commissioned by Elation Pauls with support from the Canada Council for the Arts.
Part of SUSTENANCE: current Canadian classical violin/piano music curated by Elation Pauls.
II. Agitated and possessed
by Kelly-Marie Murphy
Commissioned by Elation Pauls with support from the Canada Council for the Arts.
Part of SUSTENANCE: current Canadian classical violin/piano music curated by Elation Pauls.
"As a society we are addicted to things (like smart phones) as well as substances and even people. When these elements are removed, we experience sadness, anger and fear that actually affects our ability to sustain ourselves." ~ Composer Kelly-Marie Murphy
About us
Pauls & Paul bring a unique combination of impeccable and creative artistry, communication skills and performance experience that, in combination, aims to consistently create a concert experience with the capacity to inspire and transform their audience.
Violinist Elation Pauls and pianist Paul Williamson began their collaborative work in 2023 and were invited to join Paul Marleyn for a performance of Canadian composer Karen Sunabacka’s Embroidered with Jagged Patterns at the Agassiz Festival the following year. Their shared passion for exploring contemporary music of their homeland is reflected in their respective recordings – Williamson with a collection of works by Tristan Zaba alongside Canadian soprano Mckenzie Warriner on the Centrediscs label and Pauls with several newly commissioned works alongside pianist-composers David Braid and Serouj Kradjian, among others, recently released on Spektral Records (Germany). They are both on faculty at the Rosamunde Summer Music Academy & Festival, where they perform regularly as a duo and in augmented chamber ensembles alongside Canada’s most renowned musicians such as Annalee Patipakanatoon and Roman Borys of the Gryphon Trio, Mark Fewer and Andrew Wan.
As a duo, Pauls & Paul value a depth of connection and collective discovery that goes far beyond the notes on the page. Rooted in their knowledge of the standard classical repertoire, they are dedicated to introducing audiences to recently created works by Canadians. As illustrated by Ravel’s Kaddisch performed on the Music N’ Mavens series held at the Rady Jewish Centre in Winnipeg, they will tailor their selections to create a meaningful experience for those attending. Audience participation is invited with selections such as Carmen Braden’s Foxy Fox’s Musical Games for Violin and Piano and improvisation or singing along with the music is a risk to be taken when called for! Any question can be asked when it comes to Q & A time and both embrace the variety of experience performers are called to meet.
Alongside their specialization in Canada’s music of today, both Paul and Elation are seriously into the culinary arts and intend to gather as many local recipes, cooking tips and dining recommendations as possible while on their duo adventures.
Violinist Elation Pauls and pianist Paul Williamson began their collaborative work in 2023 and were invited to join Paul Marleyn for a performance of Canadian composer Karen Sunabacka’s Embroidered with Jagged Patterns at the Agassiz Festival the following year. Their shared passion for exploring contemporary music of their homeland is reflected in their respective recordings – Williamson with a collection of works by Tristan Zaba alongside Canadian soprano Mckenzie Warriner on the Centrediscs label and Pauls with several newly commissioned works alongside pianist-composers David Braid and Serouj Kradjian, among others, recently released on Spektral Records (Germany). They are both on faculty at the Rosamunde Summer Music Academy & Festival, where they perform regularly as a duo and in augmented chamber ensembles alongside Canada’s most renowned musicians such as Annalee Patipakanatoon and Roman Borys of the Gryphon Trio, Mark Fewer and Andrew Wan.
As a duo, Pauls & Paul value a depth of connection and collective discovery that goes far beyond the notes on the page. Rooted in their knowledge of the standard classical repertoire, they are dedicated to introducing audiences to recently created works by Canadians. As illustrated by Ravel’s Kaddisch performed on the Music N’ Mavens series held at the Rady Jewish Centre in Winnipeg, they will tailor their selections to create a meaningful experience for those attending. Audience participation is invited with selections such as Carmen Braden’s Foxy Fox’s Musical Games for Violin and Piano and improvisation or singing along with the music is a risk to be taken when called for! Any question can be asked when it comes to Q & A time and both embrace the variety of experience performers are called to meet.
Alongside their specialization in Canada’s music of today, both Paul and Elation are seriously into the culinary arts and intend to gather as many local recipes, cooking tips and dining recommendations as possible while on their duo adventures.
GALLERY
Photos by Colin Corneau and Mark Rash
WHat people are saying about
Pauls & Paul
“I had the pleasure of presenting Elation Pauls and Paul Williamson as part of my Music ‘N’ Mavens series at the Rady Jewish Community Centre in Winnipeg, in March 2025. Their program was not only thoughtfully curated to reflect the makeup of my audience as per discussions with Elation, it was sensitively performed by these two virtuoso performers. Elation and Paul were charming onstage, providing explanations of the music and anecdotes about the composers. As several of the pieces performed were by Canadian composers with whom my audience was not familiar, Elation made sure to give context for each of the works. The audience loved the performance, as was evidenced by the
heartwarming accolades Elation and Paul received at the post performance reception. I heartily recommend Elation Pauls and Paul Williamson as a very accomplished duo.”
Karla Berbrayer
Music Producer, Rady JCC
heartwarming accolades Elation and Paul received at the post performance reception. I heartily recommend Elation Pauls and Paul Williamson as a very accomplished duo.”
Karla Berbrayer
Music Producer, Rady JCC
“Elation Pauls and Paul Williamson bring an exceptional blend of energy, sensitivity, and imagination to the stage. Their programs are not only musically compelling but thoughtfully crafted, connecting audiences to the ideas, stories, and emotions that shape our world today. The result is a performance that is both captivating and deeply nourishing.”
Sean McManus
Executive Director, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra
Sean McManus
Executive Director, Manitoba Chamber Orchestra
“Pauls & Paul make a wonderful addition to a concert series. Both Elation Pauls and Paul Williamson exhibit exceptional musical skills throughout their performances. They work well together and provide entertaining and engaging commentary on their repertoire choices. Their love for music of all periods and their positive and professional approach to performance opportunities make them a joy to work with. I would highly recommend this duo for inclusion in your programs.”
Trudy Schroeder, OM, MBA, BA, ARCT
Former Executive Director, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra & Winnipeg Folk Festival
President, Arts & Heritage Solutions
Trudy Schroeder, OM, MBA, BA, ARCT
Former Executive Director, Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra & Winnipeg Folk Festival
President, Arts & Heritage Solutions
concerts
COMING UP IN 2026
March 1 Amati Series at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon. Performance of SUSTENANCE repertoire on 1627 Amati violin.
August 16/18/20 Rosamunde Festival, Laudamus Auditorium, Winnipeg.
RECENT ENGAGEMENTS
2025
August 19 Rosamunde Summer Music Festival, Laudamus Auditorium, Winnipeg. Works by Kelly-Marie Murphy, Mendelssohn.
May 13 SUSTENANCE Album launch, Moss House, Winnipeg. Works by Habibi, Sunabacka.
March 4 MUSIC 'N' MAVENS series, Rady JCC Centre, Winnipeg. "Sustenance II" Works by Ravel, Beethoven, Williams among others.
2024
June 3 Agassiz Festival, Laudamus Auditorium, Winnipeg. Karen Sunabacka’s Embroidered with Jagged Patterns with Paul Marleyn, cello.
March 1 Amati Series at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon. Performance of SUSTENANCE repertoire on 1627 Amati violin.
August 16/18/20 Rosamunde Festival, Laudamus Auditorium, Winnipeg.
RECENT ENGAGEMENTS
2025
August 19 Rosamunde Summer Music Festival, Laudamus Auditorium, Winnipeg. Works by Kelly-Marie Murphy, Mendelssohn.
May 13 SUSTENANCE Album launch, Moss House, Winnipeg. Works by Habibi, Sunabacka.
March 4 MUSIC 'N' MAVENS series, Rady JCC Centre, Winnipeg. "Sustenance II" Works by Ravel, Beethoven, Williams among others.
2024
June 3 Agassiz Festival, Laudamus Auditorium, Winnipeg. Karen Sunabacka’s Embroidered with Jagged Patterns with Paul Marleyn, cello.
© 2026 Elation Pauls