Patricio Fadel Molina
Biography
Dubbed by The New York Times as “a gifted artist” and the New York Concert Review as “demonstrating a fluid command of the instrument,” Dr. Molina has gained a reputation as a prominent composer, pianist, and educator. NJEA is one of many institutions that acknowledges Dr. Molina’s artistic accomplishments with their esteemed Award for Excellence. Dr. Molina’s music has been described as colorful, dynamic, with a current of energy woven through the unexpected and yet satisfying harmonies and complexities that complement the emotional and imaginative melodies.
Chilean-American-Syrian pianist, composer, and educator, Patricio appears in a wide range of venues worldwide, including New York’s Carnegie Hall, Syria’s Damascus Opera House, Chile’s Teatro Municipal, and Jordan’s Odeon Amphitheater. T.V. appearances include PBS, and N.B.C. Dr. Molina gives lectures and performances at several schools and colleges in the metropolitan area, including an invitation to talk about the piano in Arabic music at the College Music Society’s 2021 National Convention.
Musical activities include commissions by New Jersey Youth Symphony in collaboration with Nokia Bell Labs E.A.T. (Experiments in Arts and Technology), live-streamed and live performances from Opera America, album recordings, lectures, and regular performances at Carnegie Hall. Patricio is committed to serving marginalized communities by commissioning new works from underrepresented composers, performing underrated works, and working toward decolonizing academic research.
Dr. Molina is the Conservatory Director at the Newark School of the Arts, fulfilling vital artistic and fundraising roles. He is President and co-founder of Notes for Growth Foundation, a non-profit that creates access to music education for underprivileged children in Chile, the U.S.A, and Lebanon. Dr. Molina is Music Director at Saint Thomas the Apostle Church in NJ and faculty at Passaic Community College.
Patricio holds a Master’s Degree with distinction from the Manhattan School of Music, a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance and a Ph.D. in Music Composition from Rutgers University.