Paul Stanhope (b. 1969) is recognised as a leading composer of his generation not only in Australia but also internationally, with performances of his works in the UK, Europe, Japan, and the United States. In May 2004 this reputation was confirmed when he was awarded first place in the prestigious Toru Takemitsu Composition Prize. Further international exposure ensued when his music featured in the “Boy on the Bay” segment of the Melbourne Commonwealth Games opening ceremony held in March 2006, and broadcast to a worldwide audience of over a billion people.

Stanhope studied with Andrew Schultz and Peter Sculthorpe in Australia before being awarded the Charles Mackerras Scholarship which enabled him to study for a time at the Guildhall School of Music in London. Paul writes: “My music presents the listener with an optimistic, personal geography . . . whether this is a reaction to the elemental aspects of the universe (both the celestial and terrestrial) or the throbbing energy of the inner-city” (24 Hours, May 1998).

In recent years, Stanhope has become well-known for his orchestral works. In addition to the Fantasia on a Theme by Vaughan Williams which was included in the Sydney Symphony’s Masters Series of concerts in 2005, Stanhope’s other recent orchestral works include Machinations, premiered by the Melbourne Symphony in 2006, Spin Dance (2005) for chamber orchestra, and Yanihndi (2003)— a concerto for Oboe, Harp and strings.

In 2007 Paul will complete commissions for Musica Viva Australia, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, and begin a music theatre work for the Brisbane-based ensemble Collusion as a part of an Australia Council project fellowship.

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