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David Kemp has an extensive background in professional orchestral, jazz, theatre and popular music performance. He has lectured and taught at the QLD Conservatorium of Music since 2008. Composition is a significant focus having completed a Research Masters in Composition at the Sydney Conservatorium under the supervision of Daryl Pratt and Trevor Pearce. David was also selected to commence graduate studies in Screen Composition at the Australian Film Television and Radio School. He is emerging as a composer of significance and has been appointed as a full writer member of APRA. Relocating to the Gold Coast hinterland has provided a new outlook with a fully equipped composition and recording studio from which to work on his compositional craft. David offers an in-depth composition style and open-minded approach infused with his myriad of musical experiences and interests.

Recent composition highlights:
• Selection of Zenekar project featuring original compositions influenced by Eastern European folk music to the BEMAC Unplugged series (https://bemac.org.au/event/bemac-unpluggedzenekar-feat-shenzo-gregorio-andre-bonetti/ ) and subsequent recording release by 4000 Records - https://jazzinmeanjin.bandcamp.com/album/004. The composition Lament for a Holiday Tango from this release is a finalist for the Qld Music Award 2024.
• Selection of Itty Bitty Ditty for Vibraphone and piano accompaniment to the 100 year anniversary of the Vibraphone Compendium by USA based Vibraphone Project International. https://www.thevibraphoneproject.org/callforscoresresults2021.html
• The release of a debut album of entirely self-composed music for the Dave Kemp Group including an album launch as part of the Jazzgroove Performance Program. This album was shortlisted for a Qld Music Award in Jazz category.
https://davekempgroup.bandcamp.com/album/transitions
• Selection of three works for Vibraphone (and piano accompaniment) for inclusion in the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) Percussion Syllabus.
• Finalist for Qld Music Award for composition and production work for the Soul Mechanic's EP recording release Explorations with Master Wolf.
https://soulmechanics.bandcamp.com/album/explorations-with-master-wolf
• An invitation to create the work, Sugo, combining jazz and electronica influences within a traditional wind band context for the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Wind Symphony.
• A live to air performance on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) Radio National of the Sydney Opera House Graphic Festival commissioned stage production Radio with Pictures. David co-composed much of the material for this event.
• A public performance and subsequent radio broadcast on Fine Music FM of his chamber work Itty Bitty Ditty at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
• Highly unusual work for five pianos, Piano Derby was selected for the piano selection rounds of the Sydney International Piano Competition.

Biography provided by the composer — current to March 2024