Thank you for visiting and exploring my website. I am a Florida-based composer with eclectic tastes and a variety of compositional interests. I have written works for nearly every genre, from solo and chamber pieces to symphonies and operas. My compositions page has descriptions, perusal scores, and sound files. You can also hear my works on my YouTube channel.
Performers and ensemble directors interested in purchasing scores and parts can order music through my catalog, and CD's can be found on my recordings page.
I am a Professor of Music and head of the composition and theory area at the University of Florida. I can be reached by email at prichards@arts.ufl.edu.
News
Premiere of new work for baritone and orchestra
Baritone Anthony Offerle joins the Ocala Symphony Orchestra for the premiere of Breath of Life at the Reilly Arts Center, October 21 and 22, 2023
Chamber Opera Competition
A Braided Light has been selected as a finalist in the National Opera Association's Dominic Argento Chamber Opera Competition, and will be presented at the 2024 National Conference in Tempe, AZ, on Jan. 5
Piano Concerto premiere
Pianist Kevin Robert Orr joined the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra and conductor Michael Miles for the premiere of The Wings of Icarus in Sofia, Bulgaria in July, 2023. See the video here
New CDs
Rough Translations
a category defying digital release featuring electronic versions of several of my acoustic compositions that I perform on guitars, bass, keyboards, percussion, and more
Available Now!
Forty-Four Ambitions for Soprano and Piano
Available Now!
The Golem is coming
The Golem of Prague premiere was cancelled, but an introductory video can be seen here
Also available
Witch Doctor, the Wind Ensemble Music of Paul Richards
Fables, Forms, and Fears, a CD of my chamber music
My Music on YouTube
playlist of various pieces
Rough Translations
Forty-Four Ambitions for Soprano and Piano
