Paul Whittaker

Paul Whittaker was awarded the OBE in 2007 for Services to Music. He has an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of Huddersfield (2005) and is an Honorary Doctor of the Open University (2015). Paul is an exceptionally gifted musician and an articulate, engaging and impressive speaker who continues to work tirelessly to raise awareness, challenge preconceptions and break down barriers on behalf of the deaf community.

Born with a hearing loss, Paul has been profoundly deaf since the age of eight. A pianist and organist, he gained diplomas from the Royal College of Organists and the London College of Music whilst still at school. After a number of rejections, he was offered a place to read music at Wadham College, Oxford in 1983, before doing a Post-Graduate course at the Royal Northern College of Music. In 1988 Paul founded the charity Music and the Deaf which enabled deaf people of all ages to enjoy and experience music.

For over 20 years Paul has also enjoyed a successful career signing theatre performances including:

• Over sixty productions in the West End and on national tours including Cats, Les Miserables and West Side Story
• The first ever signed BBC Prom, featuring Dame Judi Dench
• With internationally acclaimed ensembles, such as Rambert Dance Company, Opera North and The Sixteen, at the Edinburgh International and Aldeburgh festivals.

The many and varied experiences within Paul’s life are a shining example of how perceived barriers can be overcome, leading to a successful career that brings hope and inspiration to all who hear his story.