Paray, Paul (Charles) (1886–1979)

French conductor and composer. He studied with Xavier Leroux and others at the Paris Conservatory and took the Prix de Rome in 1911. Returning to Paris from imprisonment during World War I, he became assistant and later successor to Chevillard, whose concerts he continued to conduct until 1933, when he succeeded Gabriel Pierné as conductor of the Colonne Orchestra. In 1952 he became conductor of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, remaining there until 1963.

Works Oratorio Jeanne d'Arc (1931), Mass for the 500th anniversary of the death of Joan of Arc (revised of oratorio, 1956).

Ballet Artémis troublée (1922).

Orchestral and chamber symphony in C major, fantasy for piano and orchestra, string quartet, violin and piano sonata.