In incredibly sad news, it has been revealed by the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra that Richard Gill AO – the much-loved conductor and music educator – died at his Sydney home on Sunday after a year-long battle with cancer.

Tributes have been pouring in on social media for a man who was one of the great inspirers and activists of Australian music. On Saturday, 70 brass players gathered outside his house in Stanmore to play the Dam Busters March to show their love and support.

Richard Gill. Photo © Sam Grimmer

The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra has also announced the Richard Gill Memorial Fund, established at the maestro’s request to support the objectives of the orchestra and the development of young Australian musicians.

Gill wrote a bi-monthy column for Limelight from 2014 about Australian music, frequently pleading passionately for music education, and his writing was always welcomed by readers. He was absolutely thrilled when it was announced in September that a new independent primary school, founded after discussion with him, is to be established in Muswellbrook by the Muswellbrook Shire Council. The Muswellbrook Richard Gill Music Academy, which is due to open...