Stephen Cronin was born in Brisbane, Australia. He studied composition and piano
at the University of Queensland and was awarded the Master of Music degree in
composition and subsequently a Doctor of Philosophy in Composition from that
institution. During 1985-86 he studied at the University of London and on his return to
Australia was appointed to the staff of the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith
University.
Stephen's works have been performed and commissioned by leading Australian and
overseas groups including various orchestras, Duo Contemporain, Octomania, The
Seymour Group, Synergy and The Song Company. Many of his vocal works are settings of
text written by New York artist Leon Waller.
Awards he has received include a Rotary Foundation scholarship, the Percy Brier
Memorial Prize for Music Composition, the Dalley-Scarlett Memorial Scholarship, the
inaugural Paul Lowin Song Cycle Award, the A. H. Maggs commission, a Vienna Modern
Masters recording project and an Australia Council Composer Fellowship.
Recordings of Stephen's music appear on Globe, Tall Poppies, Z.o.o, ABC Classics, Divine
Art, Sunset Music, VoxAustralis, Innaminka, Anthology of Australian Music, Vienna Modern
Masters and other independent releases.
As a teacher Stephen believed in exposing students to a broad variety of styles and
genres. His composition teaching focused on the establishment of a solid compositional
craft based on strong aural and theoretical foundations. As a mentor and role model
Stephen expanded his own artistic practice to accommodate interests in the visual arts,
prose and handwoven fabrics.
Departing his long teaching career Stephen relocated from Queensland to Tasmania in
early 2020, attracted to life in the Huon Valley which boasts a lively and eclectic arts
community. While composition remains his pivotal artistic focus, printmaking, photography, and particularly hand weaving offer a broadened means for supporting intersecting artistic
practices and Stephen’s aspiration to continue exploring new horizons. He is convinced
“All art is about politics” and “Weaving is sound made visible.”
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
Federation Concert Hall, 1 Davey Street,
Nipaluna / Hobart,
Lutruwita / TAS 7000, Australia
GPO Box 1450 Nipaluna / Hobart,
Lutruwita / TAS 7001, Australia
TSO Box Office
10am–4pm Monday to Friday
1800 001 190 — boxoffice@tso.com.au
Located in the Hotel Grand Chancellor foyer
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The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra acknowledges the traditional owners and continuing custodians of lutruwita / Tasmania. We pay respect to the Aboriginal community today, and to its Elders past and present. We recognise a history of truth, which acknowledges the impacts of colonisation upon Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and stand for a future that profoundly respects their stories, culture, language and history.
