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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 joined 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 was been selected as a finalist in the National Opera Association's Dominic Argento Chamber Opera Competition, and was 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
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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!


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Forty-Four Ambitions for Soprano and Piano
Available Now!

The Golem is coming
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The Golem of Prague premiere was cancelled, but an introductory video can be seen here

Also available
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Witch Doctor, the Wind Ensemble Music of Paul Richards


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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