# May 10, 2026 | Why a world-class pianist gave up a promising career to become a priest

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/catholic-review-radio-6316147/may-10-2026-why-a-world-class-pianist-gave-up-a-promising-career-to-become-a-priest
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/catholic-review-radio-6316147/may-10-2026-why-a-world-class-pianist-gave-up-a-promising-career-to-become-a-priest.md
Podcast: [Catholic Review Radio](https://stenobird.com/podcast/catholic-review-radio-6316147)
Published: 2026-05-11T12:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://catholicreview.org/radio-interview-why-a-world-class-pianist-gave-up-a-promising-career-to-become-a-priest/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/episodes.captivate.fm/episode/dd415423-f93f-4b11-9223-dc348d465b1b.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/catholic-review-radio-6316147/episodes/may-10-2026-why-a-world-class-pianist-gave-up-a-promising-career-to-become-a-priest
Duration seconds: 1681

## Resource

He was once a rising concert pianist, performing for audiences around the world—until he answered a call he could not ignore. Catholic Review Managing Editor George Matysek speaks with Sulpician Father Paul Maillet about his journey from the concert stage to the priesthood. A former student of the legendary Leon Fleisher, Father Maillet reflects on the discipline and demands of a professional music career – and how a vocation first sparked in high school gradually took hold through prayer, service and discernment. Now a faculty member at St. Mary's Seminary and University in Roland Park, he continues to integrate music into his life and ministry, describing it as a powerful form of prayer. He also previews his upcoming concert at the Baltimore Basilica and offers practical insight on listening for God’s call and finding lasting peace.

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## Transcript

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