Noted Twin Cities Composer Stephen Paulus Dies

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – Acclaimed Minnesota composer Stephen Paulus has died at 65. Family members say he passed away Sunday from complications of a stroke he suffered last year.

Paulus wrote over 500 works, which received premieres and performances throughout the world.

He lived in the Twin Cities almost all of his life. His family moved here from New Jersey when he was just a toddler.

He received multiple degrees from the University of Minnesota, where he was a student of Pulitzer Prize-winning music professor Dominick Argento. He also once served as composer-in-residence at Minnesota Orchestra.

His composition “Pilgrims’ Hymn” was performed at the funerals of U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford. His body of work contains operas, orchestral works, and solo literature.

Paulus leaves behind his wife and two sons.

Funeral services are planned for Saturday, Nov. 8 at the House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul.