Richard DeCosta

Richard DeCosta, born in Portland, Maine, United States, is a composer and Composer & Artistic Visionary, Turing Opera Workshop, whose career fuses music and technology in dynamic, forward-thinking ways. With decades of experience, he has contributed to music for film, television, video games, and online media, building a reputation for both versatility and innovation.

Early in his career, Richard sharpened his skills as a producer, recording engineer, and mastering engineer at WhaleSound Studios, Records. During that formative period, he oversaw every aspect of recording sessions, collaborating with both solo artists and full bands. Immersed in the nuances of sound production, he developed a keen ear for blending emotion with technical precision—an approach that has shaped his compositions ever since.

Over the years, Richard’s work has been featured in various creative projects, including the award-nominated web series “Ragged Isle,” for which he composed incidental music recognized at the 2013 Indie Series Awards. His portfolio extends to other productions such as “How to Kill a Zombie,” “On a Country Road,” and “Natal.” His dedication to exploring bold frontiers in sound design and composition has established him as a versatile musical collaborator, especially in independent film and media circles.

In 2024, Richard founded Cantai, an AI-powered operatic and choral singing synthesizer that transforms composers’ ideas into authentic, resonant vocal performances. By harnessing advanced machine learning, Cantai captures the expressive dynamics and phrasing of the human voice, creating boundless possibilities for composers eager to break new ground in vocal music.

Today, Richard also serves as the Composer & Artistic Visionary of the Turing Opera Workshop, a pioneering initiative specializing in AI-driven multimedia projects. Centered on modern operas—both his own and those of emerging composers—this endeavor integrates AI-generated images, video, and music into immersive theatrical experiences. Through the Turing Opera Workshop, Richard continues to push the boundaries of traditional opera, blending technological innovation with timeless artistic expression.

With over four decades of experience, Richard DeCosta remains at the forefront of music and technology. His commitment to creativity, experimentation, and the power of storytelling ensures that he will continue inspiring composers, collaborators, and audiences alike.

Explore Richard’s other blog posts for more insights and inspiration.