Composer Biography: Phillip Houghton (1954-2017)

Phillip Houghton was an Australian guitarist and composer. Born in Melbourne, he began his training as an artist before taking up music studies at the age of 20. Pianist John Champ was an early influence in Houghton’s musical development.

He toured briefly and recorded with ABC before leaving his performance career as a classical guitarist to focus on composing.

Houghton’s compositions are inspired by many musical styles including classical, rock and jazz. He wrote music for theatre, dance and film outside of his many works for classical guitar. Popularity or Houghton’s compositions took off when John Williams recorded Stélé on his “The Guitarist” album in 1998. Many guitarists have recorded his works since then, including many Australian guitarists looking to promote local Australian artists and music.

Houghton passed away in 2017.

Notable compositions:

Stélé

Kinkachoo I Love You

Ophelia... a haunted sonata

The Mantis and the Moon

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