On Wednesday 4th April 2007 in The Great Hall of Sydney University, one of Australia’s most celebrated and revered talents, Maestro Tommy Tycho AM MBE was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music for his contribution to music in Australia.
In a life journey that has seen many significant milestones passed, the bestowing of this honour is of particular note. As a young prodigy, Tommy Tycho’s musical studies were interrupted by his internment in a concentration camp in 1943. At the end of the war Tommy renewed his studies, only to find himself fleeing Hungary ahead of the communist takeover, while still in his third year at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest. Having never had the opportunity to complete his degree, the awarding of this honorary doctorate is not only graciously received recognition for an illustrious career, moreover, it has a profound personal significance.
Virtuoso pianist, conductor, composer and arranger, the name of the Maestro, Tommy Tycho, is synonymous with musical excellence worldwide. His genius makes him one of that charmed inner circle of musicians – prolific, posessing extraordinary quality and equally at home in any genre of music, which sets him apart from his peers in Australia.
Tommy’s credits include thousands of orchestrations, comprising 3 overtures, 3 concerti, composing and arranging over 1,500 pieces of music for movies and television, including the Medal Ceremony music for the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games, over 75 recordings, conducting all major symphony orchestras throughout Australasia, Musical Director for Channel 7 for twelve years and being at the musical helm of most of Australia’s major musical events, including nine Royal Command Performances.
Tommy’s status and respect in the Australian music industry is reflected by the plethora of Australian and International performers for whom he has arranged music and conducted orchestras for tours, recordings, concerts and special events.
Maestro Tommy Tycho is a demure man who wears his genius lightly, preferring his astonishing musical talent and extraordinary career to speak for itself. He has firmly established himself at the pinnacle of the Australian music industry and with such diversity, that it may never be seen again.