Obituaries Australia

  • Tip: searches only the name field
  • Tip: use double quotes to search for a phrase
  • Tip: lists of awards, schools, organisations etc

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

William Adolphus Laver (1866–1940)

Professor William Adolphus Laver, former Ormond Professor of Music at the University of Melbourne, died at his home at Kinglake on Monday night, aged 74 years.

Ormond Professor for 10 years, and Director of the University Conservatorium, he also acted as Acting Ormond Professor on several occasions. He conducted many orchestral concerts from 1894, and wrote much orchestral music. A founder of the Australian Music Examinations Board, Professor Laver was an examiner until his death.

Born in Castlemaine in 1866, Professor Laver went abroad to study music at the age of 14 years. In 1894 he married Miss Agnes Robertson, who survives him. A private funeral will leave Sleight's northern chapel, St. Kilda road, today at 2.30 p m. for Brighton Cemetery.

Professor Bernard Heinze said yesterday that Australia had lost a great teacher and lover of music.

Original publication

Additional Resources

Citation details

'Laver, William Adolphus (1866–1940)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/laver-william-adolphus-7109/text30418, accessed 19 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024