Just Another Jobbing Muso: Richard Mills and Music

About the Book:
In 2024, Richard Mills — composer, conductor, artistic director, musician, teacher — turned 75. This book seeks to mark his significant contribution to Australian music over nearly half a century. He has been one of the nation’s most frequently commissioned composers, while at the same time he has conducted orchestras and opera companies around the country on a regular basis. He has been the artistic director of two major opera companies, as well as a number of festivals. He has tutored and mentored numerous young musicians. And his musical arrangements have been heard every day in millions of households around the country who tune in to the ABC TV news.

Being so involved in the arts in Australia for so long means that Richard has some very interesting and, sometimes, unique perspectives in reflecting on a musical career, about Australian music more broadly, and about the instrumentalities that facilitate arts and culture in Australia. For young readers, in particular, he describes a musical life in this country that has largely disappeared, whether it be in the ways in which music is taught, or published, or broadcast, or, indeed, considered.

A Festschrift for Richard Mills

Written by Margaret Seares

With contributions from:
Alex Timcke – Principal Timpani, West Australian Symphony Orchestra
Peter Goldsworthy – Literary author and librettist
Carl Vine – Composer; former Artistic Director, Musica Viva
Lindy Hume – Artistic Director
Iain Grandage – Composer; Festival Director
Monica Curro – Artistic Director and Musician
Anna Goldsworthy – Artistic Director, Australian National Academy of Music; pianist;author of Piano Lessons