Chris Williams

Currently an honours student in Composition at the Sydney Conservatorium, Chris was one of only six composers worldwide to be selected by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies to attend his Advanced Composition course at the renowned Dartington International Summer School 2008. Assisted by a bursary from the summer school, and as the winner of a JB Seed arts grant, Chris spent his time in residency working with Maxwell Davies on a chamber work, premiered by The New Century Players. (U.S.A) Also in 2008, Chris conducted the European premiere of his piece Moonlight, and the Sorrow, which was commissioned by the Soundscape Festival, (Italy) and at the start of this year two songs written by Chris for the American soprano, Amanda Deboer, were performed in her masters recital.

In Australia, Chris was the winner of the Young Australian Composer Award (Chamber Strings of Melbourne, adjudicated by John Hopkins) and was also selected to be on the inaugural concert program of the Sydney Camerata. Chris has worked with The Song Company as part of their Modart project, and also written for the St Paul’s Chapel Choir, conducted by David Drury.

For the past two years Chris has benefited greatly from lessons with his friend and mentor, Nigel Butterley, whose compositional craft and integrity, combined with his skills and experience as a teacher, have made an enormous impact.

«Back to composer bios