An N.Z. Composer

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 54, 25 July 1930, Page 12

An N.Z. Composer

N interesting personality in contemporary history of New Zealand music is the well-known organist, conductor, and composer, Mr.Arthur LillyA.R.C.0., one of the recognised authorities in the musical life of Christchurch. -Born in Dunedin, Mr. Lilly has been a musician all his life, and was a church organist at the age of 12. When 21 he went to London, and took an introduction to Sir Frederick Bridge -then organist of Westminster Abbey, and conductor of the Royal Cmoral Society. Sir Frederick took a keen and kindly interest in the young New Zealander, and personally directed his musical studies for three years in London. Mr. Lilly gained the diploma A.R.C.O, in 1905. On returning to New Zealand Mr. Lilly acted as assistant organist to Dr. Bradshaw at the Christchurch Cathedral for some years, and is at present organist and choirmaster of the Holy Trinity Church, Avonside. He has written several compositions, some of which have already been puzlished, but his biggest work, "Life," which sets to music Wordsworth "Ime mortality Ode" and is richly scored for baritone solo, chorus, and full orchestral work, has not yet been published. Negotiations for its publication, however, are at present in train. "Land of Our Love,’ which was sung by the Avonside section of the Girls’ High School, sets to music a poem by Miss Jessie Mackay, the wellknown Christchurch litterateur and poet. The song, "We're Coming Back, Zealandia,’"’ depicts the thoughts of the New Zealand boys returning from the Great War. Mr. Lilly teaches the piano, organ, and singing, ,