Richard Connolly | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:RichardConnolly.JPG) Connolly in 2003 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 10 November 1927 Sydney, Australia |
| Origin | University of Sydney |
| Died | 4 May 2022 (aged 94) Sydney, Australia |
| Genres | Christian, secular |
| Occupations | Musician, composer, broadcaster |
| Years active | 1956- |
| Formerly of | James McAuley |
Richard Connolly (10 November 1927 – 4 May 2022[1][2]) was an Australian musician, composer and former broadcaster. A well travelled man, who had studied broadcasters and broadcasting in numerous countries including France, Italy and German under the Churchill Fellowship program. He had a long association with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, as a writer/composer for radio and television programs, but also wrote for documentaries and films.[2]
It was whilst working with the education department of the ABC, that he composed the theme song to the children's TV series Play School, in which he also sang the lyrics penned by Dr. Rosemary Milne. In 2017 the tune was added to the National Film and Sound Archive in the list of the top 10 Sounds of Australia for "being culturally, historically and aesthetically significant".[2]
Connolly's published and performed works allowed him to be counted among Australia's most prolific composers of Catholic Church music,[3][4] particularly the hymns he composed for the church in Australia which are now published and used inter-denominationally. His hymns were composed to accommodate and adorn the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council.
He was noted for his collaborations with Australian poet James McAuley. His compositions were successful internationally, both in the Christian and secular fields.[4]
- ^ "Second Hour: Richard Connolly :: Sunday Nights". Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
- ^ a b c "Richard Connolly Death, Play School Song Composer, Richard Connolly Has Died". DeathObits.com. 5 May 2022. Retrieved 7 May 2022.
- ^ Featured Interview:Richard Connolly, ABC Sunday nights, 22 June 2003. Accessed 22 June 2007.
- ^ a b Featured Interview:Richard Connolly, ABC Sunday nights, 22 June 2003. Accessed 22 June 2007.