Richard Rourke

"When I was looking at buying a new pair of clarinets, I objectively tested the Custom VRs against host of other brands. The Yamahas came out on top. I love their evenness of tone and intonation. They blend beautifully in the orchestra, and can also project for solo work. In short, I'm delighted with my new instruments."

Biography

Richard Rourke graduated with merit from the Sydney Conservatorium in 1988, having studied clarinet with Gabor Reeves and John St George.

He spent two years freelancing in London, studying under Margaret Archibald and John McCaw

Since 1992 he has been a permanent member of the Opera Australia Orchestra, performing at the Sydney Opera House with Opera Australia and The Australian Ballet. He has worked under many international conductors such as Richard Bonynge, Simone Young and Richard Hickox, and with singers such as Luciano Pavarotti and Brynn Terfel.

Richard has recorded and performed widely as a soloist and chamber musician, and is a member of the contemporary ensemble “The Gallery Players”, under the directorship of Sydney composer Alan Holley, with whom he has had a close association for 20 years.

He has also worked with the Sydney Symphony and the Australia Ensemble. In 2010 he played with the Australian Chamber Orchestra on their trans-Atlantic tour, performing at Tangelwood Festival in USA, and major European summer festivals.

In October 2014 Richard received grants from the George and Nerissa Johnson memorial scholarship fund and the PPCA performers trust in order to undertake professional development in New York with past and present clarinettists of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra.