A Journey Through Australia’s Musical Legacy:
Explore the Comprehensive Encyclopedia by Stephen Pleskun
Welcome to my website!
Can you recognise any of the composers in the short video above?
Whatever, below you will find how to avail yourself of the most comprehensive account of Australian Classical Music from when Australia became a Federation (1901).
The six volumes comprise more than 2,172,000 words with 4,852 photographs. Each volume can be purchased as hardback; or a navigable eBook (at less than the price of a hamburger) wherein you can discover the lives and works of those illustrated composers and some 800 more of their colleagues.
Included incidentally throughout are performers, ensembles, orchestras, opera and ballet companies, choral groups, music institutions, venues, festivals, entrepreneurs, administrators, philanthropists, music critics, instrument makers and touring artists.
Enrich your cultural and historical knowledge!


Stephen Pleskun
Hi there! I’m Stephen Pleskun and am pleased to share my knowledge of Australian Classical Music with you.
Music has been a constant throughout my life and after studying with some wonderful mentors in various disciplines, I found my calling in teaching, writing and research.
Since January 2008, I have been dedicated to creating what I hope will be an invaluable resource for music enthusiasts, performers and scholars alike.
The result ‘A Chronological Encyclopaedia of Australian Classical Music’ is my way of celebrating and preserving the rich musical heritage of Australia.
I’m grateful for your interest and hope you enjoy exploring this fascinating world as much as I have in finding and restoring it.
Thanks for visiting!

VOLUME 1:(1901-1920)


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.
VOLUME 2:(1921-1939)


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).
VOLUME 3:(1940-1960)


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.

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