RICHARD CAREY FORD BIO

Award-winning composer/lyricist and teacher Richard Carey Ford’s empowering vision flows through his sophisticated music creating accessible and moving music theatre, film, and classical work. Profoundly inspired by Hurricane Harvey and the events of the last couple years, Richard is making theatre blending uplifting possibilities with purposeful social commentary.

Noted for his “searing comments on society” and an “acute metaphorical sense,” Richard’s musicals A Lovely Leave,That Him (with by Richard Mayora), With Eyes Open and Venture Capital (both with Mark Wilder), Waiting for the Sunrise, The Week That George and Viktor Died have premiered off-off-Broadway, in Chicago and elsewhere. His new musical inspired by Hurricane Harvey is scheduled for a December premiere in Houston.

Ford has composed music for plays and films including the cult-feature iCrime, classic Georges Méliés film Le voyage dans la lune, and numerous webisodes, promotional videos, and video games.

Richard’s first album The Globalization of Our Discontent has been described as “haunting and moving.” Classical in its composition the score uses indie rock instrumentals to capture the angst and isolation of our world and is influenced by diverse artists Rush, Queen, Glass, and Bernstein.

Notable work: Bolts of Melody (inspired Emily Dickinson); Beethoviana (with Rebecca French); Wet! For social media maven Kate Buck Jr; 2015 flute concerto A Thousand Pedals (commissioned by Rock Star Flutist); Lincoln Fanfare opened the 2012 Vice Presidential Debate.

He was the Composer-In-Residence for the Houston Heights Orchestra from 2011 to 2013.

Richard has also directed, produced, and/or designed over 200 productions, produced three feature films, and composed/created short films with over 50 student filmmakers in programs including under-served neighborhoods and children with autism while working with HGOco and AFA. His students have gone on to win awards, get degrees from major music schools, and write inspiring music.