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Paul Hodgins

Paul Hodgins was born in Canada, where he studied piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music and became a professional accompanist by the age of 20. Hodgins worked widely in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. as an accompanist and music professor at Simon Fraser University, the Banff Centre for the Arts, Nonington College (Kent), Eastern Michigan University, and many festivals. He moved to the U.S. to pursue graduate studies in the 1980s and has lived here ever since, completing his doctorate in musical composition at the University of Southern California. Hodgins was a professor of music at the University of California Irvine from 1985 to 1992, where he served as music director of the dance department and founding director of the Gassman Electronic Music Studio. After freelancing as a classical music critic at the San Diego Union-Tribune, he became an arts journalist and critic for The Orange County Register, where he wrote principally about theater and later about dance and classical music. In addition to his expertise in the performing arts, Hodgins has written extensively about jazz, architecture, interior design and urban planning. For the last decade he has written a regular column about wine, beer and spirits for the Register. Hodgins has written two books. Music, Movement and Metaphor, a study of dance-music relationships in 20th-century choreography, was published in 1992. The Winemakers of Paso Robles came out in 2017. Hodgins remains active as an educator. He has been on the journalism faculty at California State University, Fullerton since 2001. He has also taught journalism at Cal State Long Beach and UCLA Extension. Hodgins and his wife have lived in downtown Huntington Beach for 20 years. Some day he will learn how to surf. Languages spoken: English Areas of expertise: Orange County, theater, dance, music and arts issues.

Should Imagination Celebration be Scrapped or Revived?

Arts & Culture

By Paul Hodgins | December 10, 2018

ANALYSIS: The annual festival, begun with fervor in the ’80s, needs money, marketing, and a new partnership with O.C.’s biggest arts center.

A ‘Nutcracker’ Like You’ve Never Heard

Arts & Culture

By Paul Hodgins | November 30, 2018

PREVIEW: The Duke/Strayhorn re-imagination of Tchaikovsky’s beloved “Nutcracker” will be performed by the Pacific Symphony.

It Takes Six to Tango

Arts & Culture

By Paul Hodgins | November 27, 2018

PREVIEW: Redwood Tango Ensemble will showcase artistry of the genre in San Clemente.

Are You Looking For Something To Do For The Holidays?

Countywide

By Paul Hodgins and Heide Janssen | November 22, 2018

We’ve put together a list of 48 events to enjoy with your family to get you in the spirit of the holiday season.

Creating a Scrooge for the Ages

Arts & Culture

By Paul Hodgins | November 22, 2018

PREVIEW: Jerry Patch had no idea his version of ‘A Christmas Carol’ would become a staple at SCR for almost four decades.

Sara Bareilles’ Songs and Some Solid Performances Save ‘Waitress’

Arts & Culture

By Paul Hodgins | November 15, 2018

REVIEW: If you can endure the clichés, this routine adaptation of the 2007 film contains just enough memorable moments, thanks to a talented songwriter.

Russian Violinist Avoided Tchaikovsky’s Concerto for Years

Arts & Culture

By Paul Hodgins | November 8, 2018

PREVIEW: Philippe Quint stopped playing it until he had something new to say. He also learned some secrets about one of classical music’s most beloved warhorses.

Two O.C. Producers Bring Nancy and Ronnie Back to Life – in a Musical

Arts Previews

By Paul Hodgins | November 8, 2018

PREVIEW: The Reagan’s late-1940s romance is the subject of ‘In a Booth at Chasen’s,’ opening this week.

OCMA Moves a Step Closer to Its Goal With OCMAExpand

Arts & Culture

By PAUL HODGINS | November 5, 2018

REVIEW: With many airy galleries on two floors, temporary location offers surprisingly high-quality facilities.

Ensemble Galilei, Neal Conan and Anne Garrels Explore Experiences in War

Aliso Viejo

By Paul Hodgins | October 31, 2018

PREVIEW: Ensemble Galilei debuts a new work in O.C. that resulted from performing for recovering veterans at Walter Reed.