Felix Werder AM[1] (24 February 1922 – 3 May 2012[2]) was a German-born Australian composer of classical and electronic music, and also a noted critic and educator.
[5] He studied Fine Arts and Architecture in London before arriving in Australia in 1940 on the HMT Dunera, along with his father, leaving Germany because of their Jewish heritage.
His students in the mid-1970s included Ollie Olsen who became a leading figure in Melbourne's little band scene, Whirlywirld and Max Q, and bandmate Arne Hanna.
He formed the performance ensemble Australia Felix, which toured Europe and included Bruce Clarke, Merlyn Quaife, Brian Brown, Alex Grieve, Judy Easton, Tony Conolan, Kevin Makin and Peter Clinch.
[5] Also, percussionist Eugene Ughetti performed "Quinney on the Roof" and "Recipe for Disaster"; Warren Burt presented a digital restoration of Werder's 4-speaker piece for analogue synthesizer "The Tempest", originally recorded and released in 1974.
[18] It was founded by the Australia Council in honour of Don Banks, Australian composer, performer and the first chair of its music board.