Richard was born in 1945 in Slough, and attended the Herschel High School and Slough College. After working for a London law firm he studied composition with Richard Arnell at Trinity College of Music, where he was twice winner of the Royal Philharmonic Society composition prize and the Ascherberg prize. Later he also won the Harold Smart composition prize awarded by the Royal School of Church Music.
Richard’s teaching career included posts at Bromsgrove College of Further Education, and various schools in Buckinghamshire. He was also Director of Music at St Michael’s Church, Amersham, Holy Trinity Church, Bembridge, and St Mary’s in Ryde. He now plays the organ at Quarr Abbey.
He moved to the Isle of Wight on 1996, briefly teaching at Bembridge School. On the Island he was accompanist for Linda Filby Borrett’s Voices of the Isle of Wight, writing a number of new works performed and recorded by them. He has conducted various choirs including the Bembridge Singers whom he directed for ten years. He has also performed in the Isle of Wight Scottish Fiddlers and the Bembridge Village Band.
In retirement, as well as much walking and enjoyment of his greyhound Eddie, Richard likes opera, reading, baking and writing fiction.
Some of the larger works listed are awaiting a first performance, and any choirs or ensembles planning programmes at a future time are welcome to enquire for more information.
Thanks to Liz Benger for creating and uploading this website.