Resonate Magazine | Australian Music Centre

Image: Martin Friedel  
© mim whiting

Composer Dr Martin Friedel has passed away on 29 October 2022.

Born in Germany in 1945, he migrated to Australia with his family before earning an honours degree in physics and mathematics, and a PhD in chemistry, piano studies with Victor Stephenson and, later, conducting with Robert Rosen.

Friedel composed and and directed music for theatre productions at major Australian companies including the legendary Australian Performing Group, Melbourne Theatre Company, and Playbox (now Malthouse).

Between 1989 and 2006, he created scores for over 50 films, and has been recognised with accolades including an Emmy, 'Best Score' at the new York and Chicago Film Festivals, and two AACTA nominations.

His most recent projects included a work for projected film, choir and ensemble, created in collaboration with filmmaker John Hughes, and The Word for World, a piece for choir, ensemle and recorded tree and landscape sounds, premiered by long-time collaborators Astra.

Dr Friedel's family have shared the following statement:

It is with great sadness and regret the family of composer Martin Friedel announce his recent peaceful passing with his children Stefan, Bruno, Odette and partner Melissa (Mim) at his side.

Martin's contribution to our cultural lives through the many genres of music he excelled at leaves a legacy broad and diverse, complex, mysterious, rich and intellectually enormous.

Over Martin's 50 year career in music he has worked on innumerable diverse productions across theatre, documentary, museum and gallery presentations and most notably with his long time collaboration with Astra Music.

A more comprehensive understanding of the scope of his work can be found on his website: www.mkfriedel.com

Read more about Dr Martin Friedel's and find his musical works via his AMC Represented Artist profile.