Venezuelan Composer Paul Desenne has Died, Aged 63

The acclaimed cellist and composer had an illustrious four-decade career and died suddenly of a heart attack in Boston

Venezuelan composer and cellist Paul Desenne is remembered for his extensive catalog of compositions that combine and explore all the “expressive possibilities of all Latin American musical languages.”

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, in 1959, Desenne was an honors graduate from the Conservatoire Supérieur de Paris. There, he pursued cello performance, playing various musical genres from classical music to Venezuelan Creole melodies, before taking up composition studies.

His compositions range from solo works to choral symphonies. His works have been performed at the Teresa Carreño Theater, Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Great Hall of Hamburg, León de Greiff, Barbican Center, Théâtre Maisonneuve, and the Cervantino Festival.

His accolades included the prestigious 2009 Guggenheim Scholarship and the 2010 Fellowship of the Radcliffe Institute of Harvard University. Desenne also served as a columnist for Venezuelan publishing company, El Nacional.

“The departure of Paul Desenne leaves an irreparable void in Latin American music and in the international music scene,” wrote the Venezuela Symphony Orchestra in a tribute. “His legacy will live on in every note, reminding us of his passion, talent and invaluable contribution to the enrichment of the musical heritage of our continent.

“Today, we honor the memory of this extraordinary friend, musician, and composer,” they continued. “May his music continue to inspire generations to come and may his spirit live on in the hearts of all of us who love and appreciate art. Rest in peace.”

Our condolences to Mr. Desenne, family, friends, and colleagues.

A 2021 interview with him can be viewed below.