The beginnings and development of a New Zealand music: The life ...

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research stations of significant potential
but still lacking a substantiating body of
composition; (ii) concert performance
(often mixed-media) using traditional
instrumental and vocal resources allied with
electronic amplification and modulation,
typically centred on a composer-figure such
as Stockhausen and a performer group;
(iii) the many 'classical-type' studios used
for composition, teaching and research and
moving towards new automating equipment as
their funds permit." 16
Lilburn also noted that he was unable to secure exchange tapes of
compositions in San Francisco, Toronto and London and that Gustav Ciamaga
had ironically suggested " •• , that composition was a concern of studios
unable to compete in the present technological race". Lilburn stated
that the studio at Victoria University of Wellington" , .•• is small but,
by overseas comparison, basically very well equipped and flexible of
development, and with a substantiating body of work achieved". 17
Within two weeks of his return to New Zealand, Lilburn was in
Dunedin as one of the select group of people to be awarded honorary
doctorates by the University of Otago as part of its Centennial
Convocation.
The Convocation, held in the Dunedin Town Hall on
Saturday 9 August at 8pm, wished to honour those involved with the
University and " ••• whose contribution has been made in the wider life
of a community, whose interests and activities ••• have covered a wide
spectrum of the national life".18
The following citation was read at the ceremony by the University
Orator, Professor Alan Horsman:
"Mr Chancellor, Douglas Gordon Lilburn is by
COmmon consensus New Zealand's leading composer.
This reputation rests not only upon the three
Symphonies, but upon chamber music (including
one of the finest of modern violin sonatas),
piano music (the Chaconne, Sonatinas, Preludesand
a Sonata), a variety of orchestral works,
one of which you have heard this evening, and
song cycles like Sings Harry, which completely
break the rule, which Addison would have
16 ibid. p.4.
17 ibid.
18 The Chancellor of the University of Otago, in his address to the
presentation of graduates, as in The University of Otago: An
Official Record of the Centennial Celebrations 8-11 August 1969
Dunedin, University of Otago, 1969: 44-5.