Paul Stanhope (25/11/1969) is an Australian freelance composer. A leading figure in the younger generation of Australian composers, Paul Stanhope has studied with Australia’s best-known composer, Peter Sculthorpe, at the University of Sydney. He has also spent time in the United Kingdom, studying at York University and Guildhall School of Music, London, having been awarded the prestigious Sir Charles Mackerras Scholarship. Stanhope currently holds part time teaching positions at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School. Stanhope's works have been performed and commissioned by some of Australia's foremost ensembles including Sydney Philharmonia, Sydney Chamber Choir, The Australia Ensemble, Australian Youth Orchestra, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, and the Australian String Quartet. His works have also been performed to considerable acclaim by the New York New Music Ensemble, and were featured in the Heads Up Festival in London in July 2000. 2001 saw the premiere of Rainchant, a work commissioned by MLC School in Sydney for the whole school to perform. This involved over 1000 voices in three choirs, percussion ensemble, keyboards and sampled sounds and was be premièred in the Sydney Opera House in May 2001. Stanhope's work constructs a personal response to place and time in the context of contemporary culture. He writes: “My music presents the listener with an optimistic, personal geography…. whether this is a reaction to the elemental aspects of the universe (both the celestial and terrestrial) or the throbbing energy of the inner-city.”