Sad news: Leading Australian conductor has died, at 70

Sad news: Leading Australian conductor has died, at 70

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norman lebrecht

January 15, 2017

We have been informed of the death of Richard Divall, music director for 30 years of the former Victoria State Opera in Melbourne and latterly a regular guest with the Malta Philharmonic.

An outstanding authority on early Australian composers, he was professor at Melbourne, Malta and (visiting) Kings College, London.

Comments

  • Tor Frømyhr says:

    RIP Richard. Played my 1st professional gig with him in 1971 and we have remained very good friends ever since. We caught up briefly last year when he came to a performance that I had in Melbourne. A scholar with such vast knowledge. He will be missed by many.

  • Neil says:

    Indeed, a remarkable caring man, terrific musician, musicologist and conductor who provided great inspiration in his leadership and development of opera in Australia and most particularly Victoria.. Richard will be greatly missed.

  • David Baxter says:

    A wonderful and passionate musician. I’ll always be grateful for Richard’s friendship and generosity. So many wonderful dinners at the club or his flat at Queen’s … A sad loss.

  • Vladislav says:

    A bully, and a misogynist. Yet he is mourned. Life is funny…

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