Richard Mills appointed Ambassador for 2012 Mietta Song Competition
May 14, 2012 | Author insider
Conductor and composer Richard Mills AM has been appointed the 2012 Mietta Song Competition (MSC) Ambassador.
“Richard Mills is one of Australia’s most distinguished musical figures. As a highly sought after conductor, composer and artistic director, Richard brings his illustrious experience to the competition. We are honoured that he has agreed to support the Competition”, MSC Chair, Noel Turnbull said.
Richard Mills said: “I am thrilled to accept this honour. Song is very close to my compositional heart having written many songs as well as a series of 5 song cycles as part of the Ian Potter Foundation Fellowship.”
“The Mietta Song Competition and I already share a wonderful relationship. In 2011, MSC presented my song cycle Songlines of the Heart’s Desire at the Windsor Hotel. It was a very special event for me.”
Richard is a musical polymath of the highest distinction. From 1997 – 2012 he was Artistic Director of the West Australian Opera and in 2008 was Musica Viva’s Composer of the Year. In 2013, he will become the Artistic Director of Victoria Opera and will be the Musical Director of Wagner’s The Ring Cycle for Opera Australia in Melbourne. Richard conducts all the major orchestras in Australia and regularly performs in major Australian Festivals. He is one of the few Australian composers who have been commissioned to write operas for main stage performances in Australia. His operas include Summer of the Seventeenth Doll (Victoria State Opera), Batavia (Opera Australia) and Love of the Nightingale (UWA Perth International Festival).
Richard Mills will officially launch the 2012 Mietta Song Competition on Wednesday, June 20th at 4.30 pm at Commes. He will also be available for interviews and photos at the event.
Richard Mills’ appointment follows on from the 2010 MSC Ambassador, Robyn Archer AO.
