Vale Richard Gill AO (4 November 1941 - 28 October 2018)

 

The Arts Unit acknowledges and values the incredible contribution Richard Gill made to music education. As a tireless advocate, he brought his love of music to many and his legacy will have a lasting impact.

 

Richard Gill, founding Music Director and Conductor Emeritus of Victorian Opera, was one of Australia’s most admired conductors specialising in opera, musical theatre and vocal and choral training and is internationally respected as a music educator. 
 
He was the Artistic Director of the Education Program for the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Artistic Director of OzOpera, Artistic Director and Chief Conductor of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra, and is currently Artistic Advisor for the Musica Viva Education program and Music Director of the Sydney Chamber Choir. Richard was also  the inaugural King & Wood Mallesons Conservatorium Chair in Music Education of the Sydney Conservatorium High School.

Richard Gill AO, photograph by Nick Gilbert

Richard conducted all the major Australian opera companies and orchestras, New Zealand Symphony and Sydney Philharmonia Choirs. For the Sydney Symphony he conducted Meet the Music, Family and Discovery concerts, and Sinfonietta concerts.
 
 
Richard held several important posts including Dean of the West Australian Conservatorium of Music and Director of Chorus at The Australian Opera. His many numerous accolades include an Order of Australia Medal, the Bernard Heinze Award, Honorary Doctorates from the Edith Cowan University of Western Australia, and the ACU, and the Australia Council’s Don Banks Award.