Douglas Lilburn

This 21-chapter salute to 'the father of New Zealand composition' offers fascinating insights into the world of New Zealand's music, literature and fine art through the eyes and ears of one of NZ's most creative sons, Douglas Lilburn. Lilburn was at the vortex of arts activity from the 1940s, forging friendships with many of the luminaries of New Zealand's cultural history as well as associations with New Zealand's leading arts organizations. His work was recognized with many honors, including a personal chair in composition at Victoria University of Wellington, and the rare Order of New Zealand, the country's highest award.

Dr Philip Norman is one of a handful of New Zealand composers in full-time practice. He has had works commissioned or performed by most of the leading music, theatre and ballet companies in New Zealand. His PhD in music history, conferred in 1984, was on the music of Douglas Lilburn.