Compositions: Sing an Australian story (43)
A Little Bit Mongolian
A lively piece inspired by the remarkable story of a young Australian boy from Scone who became the first non-Mongolian to race in the Naadam Horse Festival. Angus Paradice's story became the subject of an internationally awarded adventure film, and earned him Young Australian Adventurer of the Year...
A Little Bit Mongolian Cello Flute Score
An opportunity to see and hear the full ensemble for this piece. All information is the same as the choral score.
Always Hope
Part one from the Song Cycle 'Island Heroes.' Dedicated to the Nona children of Badu Island, who in 2004 survived for one week in the ocean after their boat capsized. One of the great survival stories of modern times and a fascinating true story for singers and audiences to learn.
Band of Brothers
Band of Brothers is a stirring tribute to the Anzacs and more specifically, the 'old boys' of The Southport School in Queensland who served Australia in conflicts abroad. The perfect piece for Anzac Day commemorations. Also available with strings, brass and percussion accompaniment.
Better World
A message of hope and inspiration dedicated to Hugh Evans, founder of the Oaktree Foundation, Global Poverty Project, and an ambassador for foriegn aid. This uplifting piece is also a celebration of youth and positive change. Also available with orchestra...
Catalpa
One of the most daring escapes in history, the Catalpa rescue has been immortalised in song, poetry, books and film. Paul and Bonnie have collaborated for a new look at the incredible story of an international event during the early years of Australian settlement. Catalpa is a rousing and challenging piece for treble choirs....
Child of the Goldfield
A rollicking ride through the goldfields of Victoria in the lead up to the Eureka Stockade. A lively piece for upper primary in the style of a celtic hornpipe. Part of the song cycle trilogy 'Eureka'.
Coming Home
A journey to the heart of where we belong - home. A moving piece well suited to the XMAS concert finale or special event. Coming Home was commissioned for the finale of the Canberra Carols by Candlelight in 2012 and is available with concert band accompaniment.
Devil Run Wild
Come on a wild ride in honour of the largest marsupial carnivore in the world - The iconic Tasmanian Devil. Paul worked with scientists and conservationists to inspire this unique piece for the 2006 at Hobart Choral Fest..
Dreaming in the Sky
The perfect piece for that 'special moment' in your concert. About the beauty of childhood, global awareness, acceptance of all cultures and most importantly the joy of being in the moment.
Eye of the Needle
Eye of the Needle from the song cycle 'Beyond the White Sails', loved by singers and audiences alike. A rollicking sea shanty; a joyful and powerful sing, and an engaging piece about the shipwreck coast of Victoria. Great for all ages.
Far Away Our Home
A lively jig in the style of celtic music, well suited to upper primary choir looking for a fun challenge. One of five songs from the song cycle 'Beyond the White Sails'. Tells the story of adventure, the thrill and risk associated with migrating to another land on the far side of the word in the 1800's.
Find the Way Home
Part two from the Song Cycle 'Island Heroes.' Dedicated to the Nona children of Badu Island, who in 2004 survived for one week in the ocean after their boat capsized. One of the great survival stories of modern times and a fascinating true story for singers and audiences to learn.
Follow Your Dreams
A thrilling journey around the world with solo sailor Jesse Martin. In 1999, Jesse became the youngest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around the world.
Fromelles
Dedicated to the Australian soldiers of Fromelles who lost their lives in Australia’s ‘worst-ever’ military disaster, July 19th and 20th, 1916, this powerful work is the result of years of study and personal experience in the battlefields of France. Like many of Paul's pieces about the Great War, Fromelles is meticulously researched and respectful to the 'diggers' and is very suited to the Anzac Day ceremony...
Guruwull
Guruwull is an exciting collaboration between Paul and Dharawal Aboriginal Elder, Les Bursill. Commissioned by The Voices of Sydney Choir in 2010, the piece was conceived through weeks of research and practical experience, engaging in country and culture. A valuable Indigenous story.
Hati Marege
An engaging piece featuring Didgeridoo, percussion & optional angklung, tells of a fascinating and often untold Australian history, the ancient trade link between the Yolngu people of Arnhem Land, Macassan sea-traders and China. A great way to teach singers and audience about this history that shaped Australia. Available with strings.
Illuminations
A stirring piece suited to massed finale. The finale to the Geelong College Sesquicentenary song cycle 'Teller of Stories'. It calls for a deeper understanding and connection to 'country'. Good for community choirs and festivals. Available with strings...
Imaginations
The first piece from the Geelong College Sesquicentenary Song Cycle 'Teller of Stories' is evocative, stirring and beautiful to sing. Featuring natural sound effects from the choir, and optional strings. A great opener to a concert with a positive environmental theme.
In Memory of an Unknown
From the Song Cycle for Year of the Outback in 2004. Written in the style of the Australian 'bush ballad', this piece tells the story of the early explorers and pioneers of the Australian outback.
Journey Home
Journey Home is a stirring and evocative TTBB A cappella piece about the missing M24 Japanese Submarine which attacked Sydney Harbour in 1942 before being struck by allied torpedoes. With it's 2 crewman still inside, it lay on the bottom of the ocean not far from Sydney until 2006 when a team of amateur scuba divers made one of the most important discoveries in modern Australian history.
Lady of the Sky
A moving tribute to Nancy-Bird Walton who was a pioneering Australian aviatrix and was the founder and patron of the Australian Women Pilots' Association.
Living in the Bush
A heart-warming tribute to those who work hard on the land. Suited to all ages but particularly grade 4 - 8, this joyous country tune will appeal to all...
Marloo
A powerful acknowledgment of Dharawal culture inspired by Les Bursill, Dharawal Man. Paul and Les worked together walking country and creating a special piece that excites both performer and audience alike. The piece features chant, body percussion and subtle movement.
Pemulwuy
Powerful, rousing and in important message for all. The piece which has inspired it's own festival, been the finale and winning song in many festivals and competitions, and sung by all ages, Pemulwuy is a story that resonates with us all. Also available with strings. Contact Paul for parts...
Percy
A nostalgic tribute to the wayfarers, the wanderers and the troubadours who bring us art without reward. Percy Buttons, whose statue is known to all in Perth died with no one, no home and nothing to call his own...
Recognise
Written for the 130th Anniversary of St Andrew's Cathedral School, Recognise is a tribute to the Indigenous people of Australia. A piece of soaring melodies, inspiring lyrics and hope...
Sailing Home
Jessica Watson's solo voyage around the world in 2009 at the age of 16 inspired this exciting piece, full of rousing melodies and uplifting lyrics. Particularly suited to teenage girls. Well suited to the finale of your concert. Also available with concert band or orchestra...
Sampan
An evocative piece dedicated to the Chinese miners from the Australian Gold Rush in the 1800's. Written in the style of Chinese folk music and featuring heart warming lyrics, this piece is very popular with choirs and a moving experience for audiences...
Shell Song
A delightful and lyrical piece for advanced treble choir about a young girl, rescued by a sailor in the 1800's and was carried ashore to become the first European female at 2 years old to set foot in Western Australia...
Southern Sky
Southern Sky is an anthem to inspire the learning of Aboriginal knowledge of the night sky. Very popular with upper primary, this lively piece is both entertaining and educational. Also available with orchestra.
Step Into the Unknown
A rollicking ride with key changes, movement, enthusiastic spoken word, sound effects and body percussion. A great opener or finale to a concert.
Terra Nova
The opening piece to Paul's 'Outback Suite' - A powerful and haunting journey across the Australian wilderness.
The Captain's Tale
Soaked in larrikin-ism and cheeky humour, the Captain's Tale is a rollicking ride for all ages. Written in the style of a Celtic Hornpipe the piece is very popular with primary school, particularly good for boys to sing.
The Hero's Journey
Inspired by Australian adventurer and photographer Frank Hurley, the hand behind the infamous photographs of Shackleton's Endurance and the iconic images of the Somme and Flanders during the Great War. This engaging piece is soaked in the romantisicm of the time, featuring lavish harmonies, canon, rich textures and lyrics based on the mono myth. Well suited to late primary, teenage or adult choirs.
The Man and the Striped Shark
A delicate setting of a Sydney Indigenous story about a brave hero who rescued children from the attack of a bull shark in one of the northern bays. Heart felt, with rich melody and harmonies, The Man and the Striped Shark is very suited to High School and adult choirs but also suites upper primary.
The Stars of Eureka
The finale of the song cycle 'Eureka' is a powerful work that will challenge the singers and audience. With a strong message of liberty, this piece is both entertaining and educational for your singers...
The Will to Climb
The Will to Climb was the finale piece to the 2003 Rugby World Cup. An uplifting anthem, well suited to massed choir and the finale, big events and festivals. Also available with symphony orchestra...
This Golden Land
A high energy, fun crowd pleasure written with Harley Mead for the 150th Anniversary of Queensland. Suited to all ages...
Time Enough to Give
A moving tribute to a young girl with leukaemia, Time Enough to Give is very fitting for graduation ceremonies or that special moment in the program...
Towards Infinity
Towards Infinity is a deeply moving experience for singers and audience. With touching lyrics by Phil Voysey it is a powerful dedication to adventurer Andrew McCauley...
Warri and Yatungka
One of Australia's most interesting modern stories, the Last of the Nomads, Warri and Yatungka lived in isolation from the world in the far reaches of the Western Australian desert for 3 decades. They returned to civilisation in the 1970's...
Wildlife Warrior
A dedication to the great Steve Irwin. Written by Andrew DeTeliga, this heart felt piece is suitable for all ages.