David Paterson is an award-winning composer, pianist, educator, and academic whose multifaceted career underpins his role as Director of Artistic Planning at Sydney Eisteddfod. David brings a wealth of professional experience and industry insight to one of Australia’s leading arts organisations. As an AMC represented composer, he has been commissioned and performed by many major organisations including the Australian String Quartet, Melbourne and Sydney Symphony Orchestras, and ABC Classic, earning critical acclaim for the formidable technique and expressive depth displayed in his works. As a performer, he has appeared as soloist and chamber musician at festivals across Australia, UK, and the EU, whilst his work as an educator includes engagement with schools in all sectors, universities, and national programs. Currently enrolled as a PhD candidate, David’s research focuses on the intersection of narrative and musical form. His academic contributions include conference papers presented at the University of Cambridge and national forums on music education and compositional practice. David is an alumnus of the Royal College of Music (London), Elder Conservatorium, and Australian National Academy of Music. David’s extensive professional network and broad artistic expertise serve as key assets to Sydney Eisteddfod. He leads the organisation’s artistic planning, ensuring that its events remain artistically robust, educationally meaningful, and connected to the evolving landscape of the performing arts in Australia.