Eugene Ughetti has stepped down as Artistic Director of Speak Percussion, the position he has held since he co-founded the group in 2000. Kaylie Melville, who was appointed Co-Artistic Director alongside Ughetti in 2023, will now solely manage the position.

Eugene Ughetti. Photo © Bryony Jackson

“For a quarter of a century I’ve poured my love, curiosity and whole self into a multitude of ambitious new works with this organisation. The opportunities, challenges and achievements have been many, and I’m deeply thankful for all of them,” said Ughetti.

“Founding Speak Percussion and guiding it over twenty-five years has shaped me profoundly, both as an artist and as an arts leader.”

Across his time as Speak Percussion’s founding director, Ughetti has overseen the commissioning of over 220 new works and premieres. The group has collaborated with composers including Steve Reich, Liza Lim and Jon Rose, and has showcased work at international venues and festivals including Germany’s Ruhrtriennale, the Barbican, Italy’s Transart, Tage für Neue Musik Zürich and the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival.

Kaylie Melville and Eugene Ughetti, rehearse Pigeons. Photo © Jeff Busby

Most recently, he saw the premiere of his work Pigeons, devised for Speak Percussion, in which two percussionists weave through clay pigeons as they perform.

“Our Board cannot say enough about the incredible contribution of Eugene to not only our organisation, but also the broader art music and percussion communities. His impact and influence have extended beyond Australia: he has developed a revered and respected international reputation for Speak Percussion,” said Chair of the Board Owen McKern.

In 2023, Ughetti was appointed as the Artistic Director of Canberra International Music Festival, in anticipation of heading its 2025 program after the departure of Roland Peelman. He will see his second festival delivery in 2026.

Melville says that in 2026, Speak Percussion will launch the third edition of its Bespoke Artists Program, a two-year professional development program that supports early-mid career artists. Also in the works is a celebration of percussionist and restaurateur Duré Dara for her 80th birthday and the 11th edition of its education program Sounds Unheard, alongside tours for its 2026 artistic program.

Ughetti’s departure coincides with an exhibition celebrating 25 years of Speak Percussion at the University of Melbourne’s Grainger Museum, entitled Silent Hand Catches Silver Ball  – this, Pigeons and upcoming engagements to premiere new works at Germany’s Donaueschingen Festival fulfils Ughetti’s “personal promise” to leave Speak Percussion at a time of organisational and artistic strength.

“[It] feels like the right moment. It’s a time of confidence, clarity and momentum for the organisation,” says Ughetti.

“As Speak Percussion enters its next chapter under Kaylie Melville’s sole artistic directorship, I’m excited to remain connected, whether on stage, behind the scenes or quietly supporting from the background.”

More about Speak Percussion’s announcement can be found here.