About
Goetz Richter is an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney’s Sydney Conservatorium of Music, specializing in violin performance and philosophy. He holds a PhD in philosophy from the University of Sydney (2007) and has dual expertise in music performance and academic research. His roles include coordinating violin performance studies and supervising higher-degree students. Richter previously served as Associate Concertmaster of the Sydney Symphony Orchestra (1987–2002), with additional orchestral leadership roles in Australia and internationally.
Education and Philosophy: Completed performance studies at Munich’s Hochschule für Musik under Gerhart Hetzel, Max Rostal, Arthur Grumiaux, and Riccardo Odnopossoff. His PhD research explored philosophy of science and music. He initiated the cross-disciplinary 'Elective Affinities' project (2012) linking music and philosophy.
Research Interests: Philosophy of music performance, violin pedagogy, ontological aspects of music, and historical performance practices. Notable works include The Congruence of Philosophy and Music (2008) and translations of Eugen Fink’s writings on Nietzsche. Recent research explores musical interpretation through phenomenology and hermeneutics.
Publications/Contributions: Over 30 scholarly works including books, journal articles, and conference papers. Key topics: Plato’s aesthetics, Nietzsche’s philosophy, and pedagogical innovations in string performance. Active in editorial roles for String Praxis and international music journals.
Teaching and Leadership: Chair of Strings at Sydney Conservatorium since 1997, mentoring students who excel in international competitions. Founded the Camden Haven Music Festival and Kendall National Violin Competition. Guest faculty at the Euro Arts Festival (Leipzig) and visiting professor at Wuhan Conservatorium, China.
Orchestral Advocacy: Played key roles in musicians’ unions and industry reforms, including negotiating the 1995 Musicians’ Enterprise Agreement. Served on the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Board (2007–2016) addressing sustainable orchestral practices and artist well-being.
Performance Projects: Collaborations with leading artists (Hermann Baumann, Jeanell Carrigan) and global recitals spanning Australia, Europe, Asia. Active in chamber music ensembles like Trio Novalis and the Sydney Schubert Society.
