Presentation by Don Kay
Royal Society Room
Tuesday, 1st March 2011 Commencing 8.00 pm until 10.00 pm
AGM and SGM
About the Speaker
Don Kay was born and educated in Tasmania before completing his music degree at the University of Melbourne. During his several years in London (1959-1964 he studied composition privately with Malcolm Williamson, currently Master of the Queen’s Music. Since returning to Hobart he has composed much music for professional individuals, ensembles, young performers, amateur groups, theatre, concert and public occasions. Over time, his musical language has increasingly developed from responses to Tasmanian landscape, ecology and history. His compositions include two one-act operas, four concerts, two concertos, two symphonies, vocal, choral, chamber and film as well as theatre and puppet theatre music. His music has been performed in all Australian states , New Zealand, Asia, the UK., European countries and the U.S.A. Orchestral, chamber and piano music is represented on commercial C.Ds. Works to have received special awards include: The Golden cane – an Opera for Young Peopl’s Theatre (Libretto, Gwen Harwood) (1985); Tasmanian Symphony – The legend of Moinee – for ‘Cello and Orchestra (1989); Dance Concertante – for String Orchestra (1990). In 1991 he was appointed a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia for his service to the Arts, particularly in the field of composition. Don Kay was on the staff of the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music, University of Tasmania, where he was Head of Department from 1990-1993. He retired in 1998.
