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Born in Gundagai, New South Wales, in 1954, Michael Whiticker studied composition in Sydney and Berlin, beginning his Bachelor of Music in 1979 at the NSW Conservatorium, and completing his Doctorate of Creative Arts at the University of Wollongong in 1998.

As a composer Whiticker views each new work as an opportunity to explore an untried aspect of his own potential and in doing so avoids pursuing a tried and true formula for musical success. Each of his compositions, while stamped with his own idiosyncratic gestures, sounds refreshingly new and different.

Stylistically, much of Whiticker’s music owes a debt to his 'rock' background, such as in the strong riffs that occasionally burst into prominence in Redror (1989), and in other works which cross the boundary separating art and more popular musical culture. Works in this category include Min-ame (1988) for bass clarinet, flute and piano, and the raunchy orchestral composition Between Blue Rocks (1992).

Michael has also enjoyed success with a number of his works, which, on the surface, appear quite different in style. He has written two chamber operas, The Bamboos Flute (1982) and Gesualdo (1987), both of which were performed by the Australian Opera to critical acclaim. Other works explore extended techniques and sonorities of particular instruments. A number of his solo works, some in combination with pre-recorded parts, such as In Prison Air (1988) for guitar and tape, exploit the maximum capabilities of both instrument and performer.

Whiticker has received commissions from Germany, Canada, Sweden, Korea and Holland, and has had numerous works funded through the Music Board of the Australia Council. His music has been featured in festivals such as the 1985 ISCM World Music Days and the 1991 Paris Rostrum, and in 1992-93 he was appointed Composer-in-Residence with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

Between 1994 and 1998, Whiticker was active as a lecturer in composition, firstly at the University of Western Sydney and subsequently at James Cook University.

Today Whiticker lives in Townsville, North Queensland, and works as a freelance composer, music technologist, improviser, workshop facilitator and arts event manager. He directs his own studio, the Sound Space, which offers a range of arts workshops and professional recording facilities to the local community. In 2001 he held a position as Director of Aspirations / Inspirations, a Centenary of Federation project, and the following year was appointed Event Manager and Director of the 2002 Thuringowa River Festival.

Biography provided by the composer — current to October 2005