It was mesmerising, the first time I became of aware of Richard Mills. Back in the 70s, I was attending a Queensland Symphony Orchestra concert in Brisbane City Hall when the percussionist took up the cymbals and dramatically held them apart for what seemed like an eternity before bringing them together at exactly the right moment. My teenage self thought this attention-seeking behaviour was pretty cool. If memory serves, a few years later, Richard’s arrival in a smart red sports car at the ABC Ferry Road studios for a schools’ concert also impressed.

Richard Mills conducting Victorian Opera’s The Capulets and The Montagues in 2018. Photo © Charlie Kinross

What impresses now is the breadth and depth of Mills’ professional activity over the intervening years. Composer, conductor, arranger, artistic director and mentor – all of these roles he has acquitted with distinction. Reaching his seventieth birthday last month, it was only right, therefore, that he get together with his friends and collaborators to celebrate his achievements, make music and have a bit of fun.

This celebratory concert of Mills’ music was a real feast, bringing together...