Richard Parker
Founding Member and Artistic Director
Richard Parker, Founder of RATIONALE, has enjoyed a lifelong interest and involvement in music, dance and theatre. He studied piano with Neta Maughan at the NSW Conservatorium of Music, and cello with Karan Nagase at The Suzuki Institute in Matsumoto, Japan.
Richard has performed with various ensembles and orchestras and continues to be an advocate for music education and Australian composers. His lifelong involvement in music continues to this
day, as the Artistic Director and a performer in Lux Australis.
Concert cellist, composer, and conductor, Luke Severn possesses a musical voice of great versatility and passion. Noted for his expressive performances and dynamic and engaging personality he is emerging as an artistic tour de force in the Australia musical landscape.
A highly sought-after chamber musician, Luke has performed in festivals and chamber music series throughout Australia, Europe and North America. In recent seasons (2017, ‘18 & ‘19) he has toured North America performing alongside violinist Andrew Sordsand pianist Cheryl Duval, performing trio programs by Brahms and Beethoven. In November 2019 Luke gave his New York City debut performing alongside NYC-based composer and pianist Evan Feinas part of a recital tour of both the East and West coasts of the USA.
As a composer, Luke’s works represent a deep level of empathy towards time, place and emotions, with a particular focus on the intimacy of chamber ensembles. He is a recipient of the ABC Classic Australian Music Fund to commission and record his suite of 7 short pieces based on poems by Stephen Crane for oboe, soprano saxophone. His music has been performed throughout Australia as well as in Europe, North America and Asia.
Luke has written for many of Australia’s finest virtuosi, including pianists Yasmin Rowe and Elyane Laussade, saxophonist and conductor Joseph Lallo, oboist Briana Leaman, soprano Kelsey Cotton, all of whom have given premieres of Luke’s work throughout the world. Luke has several commissions coming seasons (202 &’21) including Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra, work for Preston Symphony Orchestra and piece of choir and piano commissioned by the Friends of the U3A Frankston.
Luke became the Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of the Bendigo Symphony Orchestra in July 2019. As passionate educator he is also the Artistic Director of Melbourne Masterclasses, through which he is able to run a plethora of musical training initiatives both in person and online. He also teaches in his private studio in Melbourne as well as directing many community music initiatives and is currently the choirmaster of the Frankston U3A.