Uncovering traces: German-speaking refugee musicians in Australia

Emigration to Australia was restricted in the 1930s. Australia also was not an attractive destination to musicians. However, various musicians did manage to enter Australia as visitors, exiles, refugees and emigrants. The initial favourable perception of the Australian public towards these musicians changed as they began to see them as local. Emigrants also had a problem with the Union as during the 1930s only Australian and British musicians could become members. The refugees contributed to the musical life in Australia bringing diversity and cultural pluralism.