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Robert Davidson : Represented Artist

I enjoy music that celebrates the body as well as the mind, that responds to how our primate brains operate. We're living in the most exciting musical period ever, and I'm thrilled.

Random Audio Sample: Arch : canon for three violas by Robert Davidson, from the CD Viola power


Photo of Robert Davidson

Photo: Chris Osborne

Robert Davidson studied composition with Terry Riley in California and New York, and completed a PhD in composition at the University of Queensland. He previously studied South Indian vocal music in Kerala, India. He was a bassist in the Australian Opera, Sydney Symphony, and Queensland Symphony orchestras before working as a freelance computer programmer. His postclassical quintet Topology has played at numerous festivals around the world since forming in 1996 - their performances range from supporting pop group Savage Garden to experimental theatre. Topology worked with Geoffrey Rush in the opening production of the Optus Playhouse and again in the 2000 Olympics Arts Festival.

Davidson's compositions are regularly performed, recorded and broadcast around the world. All of Australia's professional orchestras and many leading soloists and ensembles have commissioned and performed his works.

Robert is currently undertaking research into links between language and music. He has composed many works around this theme, including voice portraits using recordings of figures including Ghandi, Churchill, Clinton, Whitlam, JFK, Amelia Earhardt and many others.

Robert is the Lecturer in Composition at the University of Queensland.


Robert Davidson — current to September 2009

Selected Commissions

  Work Commission Details
Australians : Voice portraits Assisted through the National Film and Sound Archive's Research Fellowships program.
Round roads (sextets: keyboard, percussion, string, woodwind) Commissioned by Brisbane Powerhouse, Restrung Festival.
Kestrel : treble choir with accompaniment Commissioned by Queensland Branch, Australian National Choral Association (ANCA) Inc. ; sponsored by Queensland Office of Arts and Cultural Development.
Exterior Commissioned by Australian Institute of Eastern Music.
Four places (trios: shakuhachi, marimba, cello) Commissioned by the Australian Institute of Eastern Music
Big decisions : The Whitlam Dismissal Commissioned by the Southern Cross Soloists