Richard Tognetti
Richard Tognetti has established an international reputation for his compelling performances and artistic individualism. He began his studies in Wollongong NSW with William Primrose, then with Alice Waten at the Sydney Conservatorium, and Igor Ozim at the Bern Conservatory, where he was awarded the Tschumi Prize as the top graduate soloist in 1989. Later that year he led several performances of the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and that November was appointed as the Orchestra’s lead violin and, subsequently, Artistic Director. He is also Artistic Director of the Festival Maribor in Slovenia.
Richard performs on period, modern and electric instruments and his numerous arrangements, compositions and transcriptions have expanded the chamber orchestra repertoire and been performed throughout the world. As director or soloist, Richard has appeared with many of the world’s leading orchestras. Richard is also an acclaimed composer and has also worked on numerous film soundtracks.
He was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2010. He holds honorary doctorates from three Australian universities and was made a National Living Treasure in 1999. He performs on a 1743 Guarneri del Gesù violin, lent to him by an anonymous Australian private benefactor.
Richard collaborated with Rafael Bonachela in 2012 for the Australian Chamber Orchestra and Sydney Dance Company season Project Rameau. This season will show as part of Illuminated in October 2015 at the State Theatre Melbourne.