Voices in the Wilderness

MD Richard Black

While completing a Science Degree at Adelaide University Richard discovered a passion for singing under the inspiring direction of Hilary Weiland in the Adelaide University Choral Society and began lessons with Norma Hunter. He was soon invited to become a member of the highly acclaimed Adelaide Chamber Singers directed by Carl Crossin OAM, and in 1994 moved to Sydney to join Australia's pre-eminent professional vocal ensemble, The Song Company under Roland Peelman AM – a position he held until 2017. 

In Sydney he became a member of the professional choir of St James’ Church, King Street for eighteen years, and a founding member of both ACO Voices and Cantillation, with whom he recorded numerous CD’s and film scores. More recently he has been a member of the chorus in Bach Akademie Australia and many of Pinchgut Opera’s performances and recordings. 

Richard has appeared as a soloist for The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra, Salut! Baroque, Australian Baroque Brass, The Sydney Consort, Adelaide Baroque and many of Australia’s university, church and chamber choirs. With a keen interest in early music, its transcription and historically informed performance, he has also formed, directed and sung in two vocal ensembles: Renaissance Men and Chroma. His twin passions for early music and science have informed a keen interest in tuning systems and historical temperaments.

Richard’s full-time work with The Song Company saw him touring overseas and interstate on a regular basis. Their work combined a busy schedule of concerts in most of Australia’s capital cities and many of its regional centres, with an education program spanning all levels and ages – performing a vast range of repertoire from mediaeval chant and renaissance polyphony to contemporary, classical and popular music. 

Now back in South Australia Richard is singing and teaching, and increasingly, conducting and directing a number of choirs, while still maintaining connections with various ensembles in Sydney.