Vaucluse search: Talented musician James Paul disappears without a trace from one of Australia's wealthiest suburbs
- The talented musician disappears without a trace
- James Paul last seen in the Vaucluse on Monday nice
- Police are 'serious concerns' about his well-being
An accomplished musician and choir director has disappeared without a trace from one of Sydney's wealthiest suburbs.
James Paul – who is highly regarded as a vocal coach for the Sydney Theater company, Opera Australia and several high schools – was last seen in Vaucluse, in Sydney's eastern suburbs, at around 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 after his summer holidays.
A NSW Police spokesperson said they have “serious concerns for the welfare of James”.
Talented musician and beloved choir director James Paul has disappeared without a trace from one of Sydney's wealthiest suburbs
“He is of Caucasian appearance, is approximately 182cm tall, of a thin build, has gray hair, blue eyes and wears glasses,” he said.
“James is known to visit the Redfern, Bondi Junction, North Bondi and Vaucluse areas.”
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to come forward to contact the police area command in the eastern suburbs or Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000.
The choir director and music educator has a singing career spanning more than 25 years and has led choral programs at Sydney Boys High School, Sydney Girls High School and St Vincent's College.
In addition to his work with top schools and top artists, he also had a career focus on using music to engage with the disadvantaged, from teaching young offenders in the NSW youth justice system to working in music therapy with people with disabilities.
A member of one of Mr. Paul's choirs publicly expressed the concerns many others had about his disappearance.
Police have 'serious concerns' about the welfare of James Paul since his last sighting in the Vaucluse at 7.30pm on Monday
“James is our beloved choir conductor who we all welcomed back last Thursday after the Christmas holidays,” she wrote on Facebook.
“We are all so concerned for you James and hope for your safe return.”
Others responded: “I hope he is found safe” and “pray James returns home safely.”
The Sutherland Shire Choral Society, where Mr Paul has been music director since 2018, said he was for many years a national touring performer of Spanish art songs and flamenco music.
He holds a Master of Music in Composition from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and his compositions can be heard on ABC Classic FM.