Hill, Alfred (1870-1960), was one of Australia’s best-known composers. He developed themes from Māori chants and used them in many of his compositions. These works include many songs, notably “Waiata poi;” his cantata Hinemoa (1896); his opera Tapu (1903); and his Symphony No. 1, the Maori (1896-1900). Hill’s other notable works include the symphony for chorus and orchestra Joy of Life (1941), the Welcome Overture (1949), and the Australia Symphony (1951).
Alfred Francis Hill was born on Dec. 16, 1870, in Melbourne, Australia, but spent his boyhood in New Zealand. From 1887 to 1891, he studied violin and composition at the Leipzig Conservatory in Germany. He returned to New Zealand in 1891. He settled in Sydney in 1895 and became the first professor of composition at the New South Wales State Conservatorium, teaching from 1916 to 1934. He visited the United States and conducted his works there in 1927. He spent much of his career promoting Australian composers. Hill died on Oct. 30, 1960.
