Richard Meale was born in 1932 and studied piano, clarinet and harp at the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music. However, as a composer he was self taught.

After studies at the University of California he forged his own path and with Images (Nagauta) in 1966, Nocturnes in 1967, Very High Kings in 1968, Clouds Now and Then and Incredible Floridas he achieved international recognition.

‘In 1986 his first opera, Voss, adapted from Patrick White's novel of the same name was premiered by The Australian

Opera at the Adelaide Festival. It was a tremendous success and communicated not only to the artistic community but also to a much wider audience. This was followed by Mer de Glace in 1991 which was premiered at the Sydney Opera House by Australian Opera. Richard Meale gave his life to the making of Australian music and he was particularly thrilled by his two operas.

The cultural and artistic impact that Voss in particular had on Australian artists and the wider community was extraordinary. No other opera by an Australian composer to that point in time had made such an impression or achieved such recognition; it was a major milestone in the development

of an Australian operatic tradition. His idiosyncratic sense of humour was infectious. Richard Meale was a very generous, open and all embracing human being … just like his music … and we will miss him greatly.’ – Lyndon Terracini, Artistic Director Opera Australia.

The Sydney Symphony also had a long relationship with Richard, commissioning and performing many of his works.

‘The Orchestra gave the world premiere of his Three Miro Pieces in 2002, and most recently performed his work …Clouds Now and Then in 2008. The Sydney Symphony also performed Richard’s landmark orchestral piece Very High Kings in 2007, his and the Sydney Symphony’s 75th year, and were proud to record and digitally release this major work at the same time.

Richard’s distinguished contributions to Australian musical life as composer and teacher have enriched our culture. His music helped define Australian contemporary classical music, and we are all deeply saddened to have lost such an eminent composer. Our thoughts are with Richard’s loved ones at this time.’ –Rory Jeffes, Sydney Symphony Managing Director

This photo was taken in the garden of the chair of 2MBS-FM 102.5, Julie Simonds, a close friend and colleague of Richard.