Role

:

Composer Conductor

Country

:

Australia

Birth

:

1949 in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia

Period

:

Contemporary

 

 

Modern

Genre

:

Concerto

 

 

Film

 

Richard Mills is a renowned Australian conductor, composer, and educator who has made significant contributions to the classical music industry. Born on July 4, 1949, in Queensland, Australia, Mills grew up in a family that valued music and the arts. His father was a pianist, and his mother was a singer, which exposed him to music at an early age. Mills began his musical journey as a pianist, but he later switched to the French horn, which became his primary instrument. He studied at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in French horn performance. He then went on to study conducting at the Vienna Academy of Music in Austria, where he was mentored by the renowned conductor, Hans Swarowsky. After completing his studies, Mills returned to Australia and began his career as a conductor. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent and was appointed as the resident conductor of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in 1979. He held this position for five years and helped to establish the orchestra as one of the leading orchestras in Australia. In 1985, Mills was appointed as the artistic director of the West Australian Opera, where he remained for ten years. During his tenure, he transformed the company into one of the most successful opera companies in Australia. He also conducted numerous productions, including the Australian premiere of Benjamin Britten's "Death in Venice." Mills' success as a conductor led him to be appointed as the artistic director of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1995. He held this position for ten years and helped to elevate the orchestra to international acclaim. He also conducted numerous world premieres, including his own compositions. In addition to his work as a conductor, Mills is also a prolific composer. He has written numerous works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, and opera. His compositions have been performed by leading orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. Mills' most famous composition is his opera, "Batavia," which premiered in 2001. The opera tells the story of the Dutch ship, Batavia, which was wrecked off the coast of Western Australia in 1629. The opera was a critical and commercial success and has been performed numerous times in Australia and around the world. Mills has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1995, he was awarded the Order of Australia for his services to music. He has also received the Sir Bernard Heinze Memorial Award, the Don Banks Music Award, and the APRA Classical Music Award. In addition to his work as a conductor and composer, Mills is also a dedicated educator. He has taught at numerous institutions, including the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, the Vienna Academy of Music, and the University of Melbourne. He has also served as a mentor to many young musicians and conductors. In conclusion, Richard Mills is a highly respected and accomplished musician who has made significant contributions to the classical music industry. His talent as a conductor, composer, and educator has earned him numerous awards and honors, and his work has been performed by leading orchestras and ensembles around the world. Mills' legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of musicians and music lovers.

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