Henry Charles Luscombe

H. (Henry) C. (Charles) Luscombe was born in Auckland. He was runner-up to Douglas Lilburn in the first Philip Neill Memorial Prize (1944), and the winner the following year (1945). He studied at Auckland University under Professor Thomas, and then became a music lecturer at the Auckland Teachers Training College under Horace Hollinrake. Harry took over as Head of Music at the College after Hollinrake went to Auckland University as professor of Music in 1935. He remained at Auckland Teachers Training College until his unexpectedly early death, and had a huge influence on a generation of teachers and musicians. As well as songs, he composed chamber and orchestral music, which was performed by the National Orchestra. His two major works are the cantata ‘The burial of King Cormac’ (1937) and the ‘New Zealand Centenary Ode’ (1939).