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Famous New Zealanders

Douglas Lilburn

  • Born 2 November 1915 in Wanganui.
  • Composed a piano sonata when aged 14.
  • Studied music at University of Canterbury and the Royal College of Music, London (1937-1940). Returned to New Zealand in 1940.
  • Taught at Victoria University of Wellington, also composed and conducted.
  • Works include Sings Harry song cycle, based on the poems by Denis Glover, and Landfall in unknown seas and his Second Symphony (1951).
  • 1967 established Wai-te-ata Press, to publish New Zealand music.
  • Retired in 1980.
  • In 1984 founded the Lilburn Trust to support and promote New Zealand music.
  • Awarded Order of New Zealand in 1988.
  • Regarded as New Zealand's leading contemporary composer.
  • Died 6 June, 2001, aged 85 years.