Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

1933

Death

:

2018

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Colin Brumby was an Australian composer, conductor, and educator who was born on December 18, 1933, in Melbourne, Australia. He was the son of a music teacher and grew up in a musical family. Brumby began his musical education at a young age, studying piano and violin with his mother. He later studied composition with Dorian Le Gallienne and conducting with Sir Bernard Heinze at the University of Melbourne. Brumby's early compositions were influenced by the works of Benjamin Britten and Igor Stravinsky. He was also inspired by the music of Australian composers such as Peter Sculthorpe and Richard Meale. Brumby's first major work was his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1955. The symphony was well-received and established Brumby as a promising young composer. In 1956, Brumby was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music in London. While in London, he studied composition with Herbert Howells and conducting with Sir Adrian Boult. Brumby also had the opportunity to conduct the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra. After returning to Australia in 1958, Brumby began a career as a composer, conductor, and educator. He taught at the University of Queensland and the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, where he was appointed Head of Composition in 1971. Brumby also conducted the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and the Queensland Youth Orchestra. Brumby's compositions were diverse and included works for orchestra, chamber ensembles, choir, and solo instruments. He was particularly known for his works for wind band, which were performed by ensembles around the world. Brumby's works for wind band include his Suite on Australian Folk Tunes, which was premiered by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra in 1965, and his Concerto for Oboe and Wind Orchestra, which was premiered by the Queensland Symphony Orchestra in 1981. Brumby's other notable works include his Symphony No. 2, which was premiered by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 1961, and his String Quartet No. 1, which was premiered by the Australian String Quartet in 1963. He also composed several works for choir, including his Missa Brevis, which was premiered by the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs in 1975. Throughout his career, Brumby received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to Australian music. He was awarded the Order of Australia in 1990 for his services to music, and in 2003 he was awarded the Australian Music Centre's Distinguished Services to Australian Music Award. Brumby continued to compose and conduct until his death on January 3, 2018, at the age of 84. His legacy as a composer and educator continues to inspire musicians around the world.

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