Role

:

Conductor

 

Richard Divall was a renowned Australian conductor, musicologist, and pianist who dedicated his life to the promotion and preservation of classical music. He was born on February 27, 1945, in Melbourne, Australia, and grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a pianist, and his mother was a singer, and they encouraged their son to pursue his passion for music. Divall began his musical education at an early age, studying piano and music theory with his father. He later attended the University of Melbourne, where he earned a Bachelor of Music degree in 1966 and a Master of Music degree in 1970. During his time at the university, he studied under the renowned Australian composer and conductor, Sir Bernard Heinze, who had a profound influence on his musical career. After completing his studies, Divall began his career as a pianist and accompanist, performing with various opera companies and orchestras in Australia and overseas. He also worked as a music critic and journalist, writing for several newspapers and magazines, including The Age and The Australian. In 1972, Divall was appointed as the musical director of the Victoria State Opera, a position he held for over a decade. During his tenure, he conducted numerous productions, including works by Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, and Wagner. He also championed the works of Australian composers, such as Peter Sculthorpe and Richard Meale, and helped to establish the Australian Opera Studio, which provided training and performance opportunities for young Australian singers. In addition to his work with the Victoria State Opera, Divall was also a frequent guest conductor with other opera companies and orchestras in Australia and overseas. He conducted productions at the Sydney Opera House, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York, among others. He was particularly renowned for his interpretations of the works of Handel, Mozart, and Rossini, and was widely regarded as one of the leading conductors of Baroque and Classical music. Throughout his career, Divall received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the arts. In 1983, he was awarded the Order of Australia for his services to music, and in 1990, he was made a Knight of the Order of St. John for his work with the St. John Ambulance Brigade. He was also awarded the Centenary Medal in 2001 and the Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award in 2007. Divall was also a prolific writer and musicologist, and published several books and articles on music history and performance practice. His most notable works include "The New Grove Dictionary of Opera" and "The Life and Times of Victoria State Opera." Sadly, Richard Divall passed away on January 15, 2017, at the age of 71. His death was mourned by the Australian music community, who remembered him as a passionate and dedicated musician who had made a significant contribution to the cultural life of the country. His legacy lives on through his recordings, writings, and the many musicians he inspired and mentored throughout his career.

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