Born in New Jersey, Stephen Paulus grew up in Minnesota and studied at the University of Minnesota with Dominick Argento. In 1978, he earned his Ph.D. in composition and was named Composer-in-Residence of the Minnesota Symphony in 1983.

Throughout his career, he was the recipient of many awards, including Guggenheim Fellowships and Kennedy Center Friedheim prize. Paulus composed several operas, four of which were commissioned by the Opera Theatre of St. Louis. His music has been described as romantic in its lyricism and use of tonality.

–Christie Finn
Source: Elise Kirk’s article in the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians