Hailed as a “ totally astonishing” (BBC Radio 3 Record Review) pianist who “plays the unplayable ” (The Spectator) and “who can equal and, indeed, surpass the musical and technical accomplishments of the biggest names in the profession ” (International Piano), Paul Wee is internationally acclaimed for his “transcendental technical prowess ” (ClassicsToday), “ dazzling virtuosity” (BBC Music Magazine), and “consummate musicianship ” (Gramophone). After a number of early appearances, including a concerto début in London’s Royal Albert Hall aged 12, he continued his studies in New York City at the Manhattan School of Music Pre-College division with Nina Svetlanova. After deciding not to pursue a full-time conservatory education or a primary career in the arts, Paul studied law at the University of Oxford, obtaining his BA (Jurisprudence) and BCL from Keble College. He was called to the Bar by Gray’s Inn in 2010, and attempts to balance his love for the piano alongside the demands of a busy practice at the Bar.
Paul’s recordings for BIS Records have received much critical acclaim. His 2019 debut recording of Alkan’s Symphony for Solo Piano and Concerto for Solo Piano was shortlisted for a Gramophone Award and Limelight’s Recording of the Year in the Instrumental category, and received a Gramophone Editor’s Choice (November 2019) and a Diapason d’Or (January 2020). His 2020 recording of Thalberg’s L’art du chant met with similar praise, being selected as an Instrumental Choice by BBC Music Magazine (January 2021) and a Limelight Editor’s Choice (December 2020). His most recent recording, featuring Liszt’s transcription of Beethoven’s Eroica Symphony and Alkan’s transcription of Mozart’s D minor Piano Concerto K466, was also shortlisted for a Gramophone Award, as well as being Gramophone’s Recording of the Month for December 2022 and ClassicsToday’s Disc of the Year for 2022.
Paul continues to perform as and when his professional commitments permit, as a recital soloist, concerto soloist, and chamber musician, both in his current home city of London and internationally. In June 2024, he will be playing his solo recital debut at London’s Wigmore Hall.