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Photo: Tod Clarke

Following postgraduate research in literature at the University of NSW, Michael Atherton studied music at both the University of Sydney and the University of New England, where he was attracted to ethnomusicology. He played early music in the Renaissance Players (1974-1980); joined Rivendell as a music therapist (1978-80) in the team of Professor Marie Bashir, her Excellency the Governor of NSW; pioneered crosscultural music in Sirocco (1980-86); and directed his own ensemble, Southern Crossings (1986-93).

Michael Atherton performed in many countries for Musica Viva and appeared at major festivals prior to his appointment, in 1993, as the Foundation Chair of Music at UWS, where he led the development of teaching and research with a focus on a range of Australian expressions in our time.

Atherton is considered to be an expert in musical instruments and sound-making objects, especially those of Australia and the Asia-Pacific. He is also composer, performer and researcher with broad experience in music for the concert hall, film, television and radio. His music is featured on numerous CD recordings, documentary film scores and television themes, including the station music for TVS.

In 2008, he was featured composer in the Aurora Festival, with five world premieres. He is an elected fellow (FRSA) of the Royal Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce. His awards include a Centenary Medal (2003) for service to the community, and a high commendation for research training and supervision in the VC's Awards for Excellence (2008).

Biography provided by the composer — current to June 2009