Dr. Richard Vella

Biography

Richard Vella's diverse output includes compositions for orchestra, large ensembles, choirs, film, chamber music, and other genres. His music is known for its engaging lyrical content and postmodern allusions. He has received over 30 commissions, with works performed and recorded nationally and internationally by key ensembles. Notable works include 'Tango Clarinet Piano', essential for emerging clarinet players, and albums like 'Piano Spectrums' released by Navona Records. Vella's film score for 'Travelling Light' earned a nomination for 'Best Music Feature Film' at the Australian Film Institute. He has served in significant roles, including Chair Professor at the University of Newcastle and Head of the School of Creative Arts. Richard's extensive research focuses on the relationships between music, image, and performance, particularly in new opera and cabaret music theatre. As the founding artistic director of Calculated Risks Opera Productions, his works have toured extensively. He has also chaired the National Council of Tertiary Music Schools and currently supervises a diverse range of PhD students. Vella directed the Collaborative Environments Creative Arts Research group, which embraced music phenomenology, performance, and music production. His research includes contributions to the cultural export of Australian music, leading to a significant report published in 2019 and a subsequent book titled 'The Music Export Business: Born Global'. Vella has also served as the general editor for music publications at Currency Press, Australia.

Research Interests

Experience

Awards