Penberthy, James, 1917-1999

James Penberthy received his early music training from his father. After attending the universities of Western Australia and Melbourne he became a schoolmaster where he taught music. Penberthy travelled to Europe on a Victorian State Government Scholarship, studying composition with Nadia Boulanger and conducting with Sir John Barbirolli. With Kira Bousloff, Penberthy co-founded the West Australian Ballet and was its first Musical Director. In 1967, together with Guiseppe Bertinazzo, he co-founded the West Australian Opera Company. Penberthy was a member and one time President of the West Australian Branch of the Fellowship of Australian Composers, a founding member of the Composers Guild of Australia, and a founding board member of the Australian Music Centre.

Penberthy was Principal Lecturer and later Head of Music at the Northern Rivers College of Advanced Education, Lismore. He founded the School of the Arts Conservatorium Centre at the College. Penberty was awarded the degree of Doctor of Music from Melbourne University in 1975 and the Order of Australia in 1986.

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