Child of the Goldfield was commissioned by Caulfield Grammar in 2012 as part of the song cycle ‘Eureka’ under the artistic direction of Ruth Friend and Jodie Yemm. It is the 1st piece in the 3 part cycle about the Eureka Stockade, one of Australia’s most important early European battles.
This piece was inspired by a visit with the students to Sovereign Hill in Ballarat where the stockade took place during the height of the Australian Gold Rush. Lively and gritty, the piece is soaked in the style of Celtic music and Australian bush poetry and is a popular piece with upper primary age singers.
Other featured pieces from the Song Cycle are Sampan and the Stars of Eureka. Contact Paul or check the site for availability. The song cycle is a powerful performance piece that students can perform with costumes and narration in a theatrical setting. A great way to teach this history.
Sample recording courtesy of Hillcrest Christian College Choir, directed by Jenny Moon