KEVIN PURCELL
Kevin Purcell's compositional style
has often been remarked for its polystylicity, adaptation of elements of ‘the new
tonality’ and informed by a strong music technology and sonic perspective. Whether
for the concert platform, or for theatre, his music self-consciously reflects and
acknowledges both stylistic and orchestrational attributes of admired composers including:
Rimsky-Korsakov, Mahler, Bax, Walton, Janacek and Delius amongst others, as evidenced
through his repertoire as an international conductor and musical director for the Stage. His teachers have included Peter Tahourdin and
Brenton Broadstock.
Forthcoming works include
commissions for a new Sonata for Violin & Pianoforte, The Silent Well, from Canadian violinist Jasper
Wood to be premiered in the USA in 2008; a setting for Tenor and Pianoforte from the Ern
Malley poems, ‘The Darkening Ecliptic’, for the Centre for Studies in Australian
Music at the University of Melbourne and a new choral work for SSA Choir.
His most recent works include The Witchlight (2003) for flute and string
orchestra: composed for Australian flautist Janine Hanrahan and recorded by the Melbourne
Symphony Orchestra; Danger Under The Moon (The
Australian 9th Division) (2002) for large orchestra and a setting of ‘Day 9’
from The Twelve Days of Christmas (2006) for the
Australian Contemporary Chorale (Dir. Hildy Essex).
As a theatre composer, Rebecca - The Musical, with book and lyrics by
Victor Kazan and based on the enduring novel by Daphne du Maurier, was premiered in 2004
to critical acclaim. This work is currently
withdrawn due to unresolved international Rights restrictions. Purcell/Kazan’s next Stage collaboration: an
adaptation of a quintessential ‘spy-thriller’ will be premiered in 2009.
Previously, Kevin has
undertaken two composition residencies (1994 and 1996) at the Banff Centre for the Arts in
Canada. He was chosen, in 1992 and 1995, as a
composer for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s, ‘National Orchestral Composers School’. All of Kevin’s orchestral works; including
the Symphony No.1, have been performed by the
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO) and Orchestra Queensland. His chamber music has been performed in the UK and
the USA.
His music is available through
Publications by Wirripang.
Kevin is Professor and Director
of Music and Performing Arts at Central Queensland University, based in Rockhampton,
Queensland, Australia.
http://www.kevinpurcell.com.au
e-mail:
info@kevinpurcell.com.au
 Back
to Music Search and composer's list of works
|
