LILBURN, Douglas – All Classical Research

Born in Wanganui, Nov 2, 1915
Died in Wellington, June 6, 2001

Lilburn initially attended Canterbury University College as a journalism major; however, he eventually switched to music and won a prize sponsored by Percy Grainger for his tone poem Forest.
- Afterward, Lilburn attended the Royal College of Music, where he studied with Ralph Vaughan Williams, who made a lifelong impression on the young composer.
Upon returning to New Zealand in the 1940s, Lilburn devoted himself fully to composing.
As a composer, Lilburn wrote symphonies as well as other works for orchestra, chamber music, songs, film music, and incidental music. Later in life, he leaned into composing electronic music.
- Lilburn founded Victoria University of Wellington’s electronic music studio, which he also directed from 1966-79.
Lilburn’s earlier works were heavily centered around capturing the distinct culture and ambiance of New Zealand. In the 1950s, he began experimenting with more modern techniques, such as serialism. Finally, in the 1960s, Lilburn turned increasingly towards electronic music.¹

Learn More
Biography via the Encyclopedia of New Zealand