Thomas Warburton Paul (born February 22, 1934) is an American bass and voice teacher who had an active performance career during the second half of the 20th century.[1] While more frequently heard in oratorios and other concert literature, Paul also appeared in operas during his career with companies like the New York City Opera, the San Francisco Opera, and Washington National Opera. In 1964 he created the role of Jack Spaniard in the world premiere of Robert Ward's The Lady From Colorado at the Central City Opera.[1] In 1976 he portrayed Jared Bilby in the world premiere of Carlisle Floyd's Bilby's Doll at the Houston Grand Opera.[1] He was a full time professor of voice at the Eastman School of Music at the University of Rochester from 1973 through 1998, and also taught at the Aspen Music Festival and School.
Paul has made recordings with The Cleveland Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, the Robert Shaw Chorale, and the Speculum Musicae chamber ensemble among other music groups. Along with mezzo-soprano Jan DeGaetani, he was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Chamber Music Performance at the 33rd Annual Grammy Awards (1991) for his performance on the Juilliard String Quartet's 1990 recording of Joseph Haydn's The Seven Last Words of Christ. Paul collaborated with DeGaetani numerous times during his career and several composers created new music for the duo; including composers Elliott Carter, Bernard Rands, and Edgard Varèse. In 1991 he was named Mu Phi Epsilon's Musician of the Year.[2]