Paul Van Chi Chu

Bio

Ordained in Saigon, Vietnam, in 1975, Father Paul is a prolific and popular composer of Vietnamese liturgical music. Imprisoned for several years by Communist authorities in Vietnam opposed to his religious activities, he escaped the country by small boat in 1988 and resettled in Australia, where he continues to reside.

His book Catholic Choral Music In Vietnam 1945-1975 discusses and analyzes specific works from each period and the influence political and social changes had on their development. Based solidly on the Bible, his compositions-all in Vietnamese-are well-suited for use by choirs and assemblies in the liturgy, as well as for personal prayer.

Currently, he serves the Vietnamese Catholic Community in Sydney and is working on his doctorate in music research at New South Wales University.