Dr Richard Mills AM

Dr Richard Mills is a distinguished conductor and composer. Born in Toowoomba in 1948, he began advanced studies in music at the Queensland Conservatorium at the age of 15. He gained a Bachelor of Arts in 1971, and in 1991 earned a Doctor of Music, both from UQ.

After some years working and studying in London, he returned to Australia, where he became a part of the cultural zeitgeist by recreating the beloved ABC radio news theme with a re-orchestration of Majestic Fanfare. Throughout his career Dr Mills has composed and been commissioned for more than 100 works, and has conducted for each of Australia’s major symphony orchestras and opera companies. Among his discography are the opera for Summer of the Seventeenth Doll (1996), commissioned by the Victorian State Opera, and Batavia (2001), commissioned by Opera Australia.

Dr Mills has received a number of awards and honours within the arts industry and beyond. In 1999 he was named a Member of the Order of Australia, and in 2002 he received a Doctor of Music honoris causa from UQ.

Awards

Doctor of Music honoris causa
2002

Qualifications

Bachelor of Arts
1971
Doctor of Music
1991