Whom did Malcolm Williamson succeed as master of the Queens Music?
Malcolm Williamson major success was with his Piano Concerto No. 1, premiered by Clive Lythgoe at the 1958 Cheltenham Festival to a standing ovation. Williamson was a prolific composer at this time, receiving many commissions and often performing his own works, both on organ and piano. In 1975, the death of Arthur Bliss left the title of Master of the Queen's Music vacant. The selection of Williamson to fill this post was a surprise, over other composers such as Benjamin Britten (whose compositional inactivity and terminal illness were not then publicly known), Michael Tippett and Malcolm Arnold, such that William Walton had
Malcolm Williamson affection for his native country. He wrote many works specifically for or about Australia, and frequently set texts by Australian poets, such as James McAuley and Kath Walker. Williamson was also inspired to respond through music to political issues, such as Aboriginal rights (a matter close to his heart). Below is a select list of works with a specifically Australian connection. Malcolm Williamson Malcolm Benjamin Graham Christopher Williamson, AO, CBE (21 November 19312 March 2003) was an Australian composer. He was the Master of the Queen's Music from 1975 until his death. Williamson was born in Sydney in 1931; his