Derek Strachan

Composer, writer, and actor Derek Strahan has worked extensively in the field of film throughout his career. Born in colonial Malaya, he moved to Australia in 1942. After studying at Campbell College (Belfast, Northern Ireland) and Cambridge University (London, England), he returned to Australia where he has worked as a free-lance composer, writer, and actor ever since. As a writer and actor, he has written and appeared in a number of scripts for television programs (including five years as a staff writer for the Australian daytime drama Number 96 (1972) and films (including "Fantasy"). As a composer, he has produced both countless film scores as well as concert works (chamber ensembles, solo instrumental, orchestral, and opera). Nearly all of his compositions are available on compact disc releases (most on the JADE label, Sydney, Australia). He has also taught script-writing and acting.