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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.

Imagination Celebration Reminds Us the Arts are Important. Are Schools Listening?

Arts & Culture

By Paul Hodgins | April 19, 2019

Arts education has been fading from the public-school curriculum. Several studies suggest that’s a bad idea.

Pacific Symphony to Perform a Healing Concert for Troubled Times

Arts & Culture

By Paul Hodgins | April 12, 2019

Anti-Semitism is on the rise in the U.S. and in O.C., giving Murry Sidlin’s “Defiant Requiem” an urgent new purpose.

Laguna Dance Festival Leaves Laguna Beach; Is That a Good or a Bad Thing?

Arts & Culture

By Paul Hodgins | April 5, 2019

The decision to move its main event to Irvine is a sign of trouble in a city that prides itself as a haven for the arts.

Segerstrom Center Faces a Momentous Decision

Arts & Culture

By Paul Hodgins | March 5, 2019

Orange County’s premiere arts institution needs to continue on the progressive path blazed by its departing president.

Jazz Greats Gordon Goodwin and Dee Dee Bridgewater Play Orange County Next Week

Arts & Culture

By Paul Hodgins | March 4, 2019

Goodwin brings his Big Phat Band to Orange on March 10; four days later, Bridgewater plays Irvine.

Dwyer Leaves a Strong Legacy at Segerstrom Despite His Mysterious Departure

Arts & Culture

By Paul Hodgins | February 24, 2019

While details of Dwyer’s departure remain unclear, what is clear is his impact on the current success of the Center.

Terry Dwyer Leaves Segerstrom Center

Arts News

By Paul Hodgins | February 22, 2019

BREAKING NEWS: Surprising departure of Segerstrom Center’s president announced late Friday.

New Local Arts Leaders Talk About How to Thrive in a Rapidly Changing Environment

Aliso Viejo

By Paul Hodgins | February 18, 2019

With the changing of the guard at some of the major local arts groups, diversity and outreach are priorities for the new leaders.

Carl St.Clair’s 30th Season with Pacific Symphony is Crammed with Favorites

Arts & Culture

By Paul Hodgins | February 9, 2019

Conductor’s milestone year “sort of planned itself,” he says.

Laguna Beach Music Festival Puts On Some Toe Shoes

Arts & Culture

By Paul Hodgins | January 30, 2019

This year, the annual chamber music festival has a dance theme and a visiting ballet company.