30 July 2009
Peter Tahourdin (1928-2009)
© Sarah Tahourdin
Peter Tahourdin, a highly respected composer, colleague and teacher, passed away on 28 July 2009 at his home in Melbourne. He had been living in Australia since his arrival from England in 1964, composing a rich output of works from operas and symphonies to chamber music and solo works. Tahourdin composed actively until very recently. Last year, the 80-year-old composer talked about his career and his interests in an interview on Resonate:
I've simply wanted to teach and pass on my experience to others, younger than me, whom it may benefit. These days I regret the passing, all over the world, of the values I've cherished in favour of populism, of what, in my old age, I call 'economic irrationalism'. I regret, in Australia in particular, the erosion of the nation's artistic and intellectual life. But I'm well aware I've become a 'grumpy old man'! One of the advantages of old age though – and there aren't many – is that you can do as you please!
Further links
Southern Cross Philharmonia plays Tahourdin - AMC Calendar 24 September
© Australian Music Centre (2009) — Permission must be obtained from the AMC if you wish to reproduce this article either online or in print.
Subjects discussed by this article:
As a national service organisation, the Australian Music Centre is dedicated to increasing the profile and sustainability of Australian composers and other creative artists. The AMC facilitates the performance, awareness and appreciation of music by these artists through: composer and other creative artist representation and assistance; resonate – its online magazine; library and retail services; sheet music publishing; and the management, administration and publication of project-based initiatives. Its library collection holds over 30,000 items by more than 500 artists.
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