World famous, legendary performers are touring Australia. British composers settle in that country and raise the standard of performance practise while mentoring a new generation of native-born composers.

Australia reciprocates by having successful composers and performers display their artistry abroad.

New South Wales Conservatorium is added to those already established in Adelaide and Melbourne but a promising interstate enterprise by an Australian and English composer is stymied by the Great War (1914-1918) in which Australian composers and performers serve. Some die.

This volume (the largest of the six) continues the exploration of Australian Classical Music making in all genres with a considerable focus on Australian female composers who would go on to make significant national reputations (Margaret Sutherland, Mirrie Hill, Miriam Hyde, Dulcie Holland) as well as those who would achieve international recognition (Peggy Glanville-Hicks, May Brahe).

Edgar Bainton, Arthur Benjamin, May Brahe, Percy Grainger and Alfred Hill are composing their last works. Peggy Glanville-Hicks is gaining an international reputation while Don Banks and Ron Grainer escape penury in England by writing music for films and television.

Back in Australia, an English composer is embroiled in scandal and the two most dominant composers of their generation start producing their earliest compositions. Guess who?

Find out about this, and a great deal more, exploring this volume.