Melbourne Windpower brings the late 18th century tradition of wind ensemble music to the present day. The members of Melbourne Windpower perform with the State Orchestra of Victoria.

Melbourne Windpower’s first CD has evoked excellent reviews such as:
“Melbourne Windpower continues to impress with its stylish interpretations ... excellent performances ... sonorities and tunings between instruments almost ideal.” (The Age)

Melbourne Windpower is directed by American-born horn player Richard Runnels, principal horn of the State Orchestra of Victoria. A graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy, he attended Indiana University and the Salzburg Mozarteum. A former member of the Vienna Symphony Orchestra and artist-in-residence at the Victorian College of the Arts, he has performed solo and chamber concerts around the world. Richard Runnels made his conducting debut with the Australian Ballet in 1986 and his opera debut at Italy’s Spoleto Festival in 1987. His solo CDs Horn Destinations and Hornocopia were critically acclaimed by both the national and international horn community.