Richard Gleeson
Percussionist
Principal Percussion of Orchestra Victoria
Principal Timpani of Numerous Leading Professional Orchestras
Extensive Recording, Film and Music Theatre Credits
Profile
Richard Gleeson, an exceptionally skilled percussionist and timpanist, graduated with High Distinction in Percussion from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His remarkable versatility spans across various musical realms, including symphonic, opera, ballet, contemporary, 'Broadway,' commercial, and recording genres.
In the orchestral realm, Richard has left an indelible mark with credits such as Principal Percussion with Orchestra Victoria 2016-2018 and Associate Principal Percussion/Timpani with WASO 2015-2016. He has contributed significantly to esteemed orchestras like the Australian Opera & Ballet Orchestra, Australian World Orchestra, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Sydney Symphony, Melbourne Symphony, Tasmanian Symphony, and others, showcasing his diverse musical expertise.
His professional music theatre credits are equally impressive, featuring productions like Miss Saigon, Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Cinderella, An American in Paris Australian Tour, Shrek, West Side Story, Evita, The Wizard of Oz, The King & I, The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, Oliver!, Mary Poppins, Dr Zhivago, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, The Addams Family, Legally Blonde, The Lion King, Wicked, A Grand Night for Singing, Titanic, Zorba the Musical, The Music of Andrew LLoyd Webber, The Light in the Piazza, Into the Woods, and The Helpmann Awards.
Richard's film credits include notable contributions to productions such as World of Warcraft, Mortal Kombat 2021, Australia, Moulin Rouge, Legend of the Guardians, Happy Feet 1 & 2, and Tomorrow When the War Began.
His extensive teaching experience includes institutions like ANAM, WAAPA, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Victorian College of the Arts, Australian Film Television & Radio School, Australian Youth Orchestra – Young Symphonists, Sydney Symphony – Sydney Sinfonia, and various schools in Sydney.
Richard Gleeson's recording and performance credits encompass a diverse array of artists and events, including Hugh Jackman's Australian Tour – "The Man, The Music, The Show," Do you hear the people sing?, Wynton Marsalis, Kristin Chenoweth, The Whitlams, Sir George Martin, and many more. His impactful contributions extend to the Opening & Closing Ceremonies of the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Doha 2006 Asian Games - Ceremonies, Synergy Percussion, The Song Company, Sprung Percussion, Sydney Spring International Festival of New Music, Roger Woodward, Christian Lindberg, Big Bang Theory, Coda, Foxtel Showtime, Ch 9 Wide World of Sports, Zelda and World of Warcraft.
