- Accomplished musician vanishes without trace
- James Paul last seen in Vaucluse on Monday nice
- Police has ‘serious concerns’ for his welfare
An accomplished musician and beloved choir master has vanished without a trace from one of Sydney’s wealthiest suburbs.
James Paul – who is well known as a vocal coach for the Sydney Theatre company, Opera Australia and several high schools – was last seen at Vaucluse, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, at about 7:30am on Monday.
The 49-year-old has not been seen since he left a property on Fitzwilliam Road just days after returning to work from his holiday break.
A NSW Police spokesman said they ‘hold serious concerns for James’ welfare’.
Accomplished musician and beloved choir master James Paul ahs vanished without trace from one of Sydney ‘s wealthiest suburbs
‘He is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 182cm tall, of a thin build, with grey hair, blue eyes and wearing glasses,’ he said.
‘James is known to frequent the Redfern, Bondi Junction, North Bondi and Vaucluse areas.’
Anyone with information on his whereabouts has been urged to contact Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The choral director and music educator has a musical singing career of more than 25 years and has run choral programs at Sydney Boys High School, Sydney Girls High School and St Vincent’s College.
A member of one of Mr Paul’s choirs said they were greatly worried about his disappearance.
Police hold ‘serious concerns’ for James Paul’s welfare since his last sighting, which was at 7.30pm in Vaucluse on Monday
‘James is our much loved choir master whom we all welcomed back last Thursday after the Christmas break,’ she wrote on Facebook.
‘We are all so worried about you James and hoping for your safe return.’
Others responded: ‘Hope he is found safe’ and ‘praying that James returns home safely’.
According to the Sutherland Shire Choral Society, for which Mr Paul has acted as its musical director since 2018, he was a nationally touring performer of Spanish Art Song and flamenco music for many years.
He holds a Master of Music in Composition from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and his compositions have been heard on ABC Classic FM.
