Douglas Lilburn, 1915 - 2001

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).
Worked with Allen Curnow to produce music for the words of Landfall in Unknown Seas
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.