Compositions: Sing a history (33)
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.
Sing a choir favourite Sing a Finale Sing a history Sing a Jarman classic Sing a message Sing an Australian storyCatalpa
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....
Sing a global story Sing a history Sing an Australian story Sing the adventureChild 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'.
Sing a history Sing an Australian story Sing the adventureDrinking Alone Under the Moon
A challenging six part work based on the Tang Dynasty Poet Li Bai's evocative poem. Well suited to adult choirs looking for a different sound, something theatrical and visual.
Sing a global story Sing a historyEye 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.
Sing a choir favourite Sing a Finale Sing a history Sing a Jarman classic Sing an Australian story Sing the adventureFar 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.
Sing a history Sing an Australian story Sing for an eisteddfod Sing the adventureFollow 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.
Sing a choir favourite Sing a concert opener Sing a history Sing a message Sing an Australian story Sing the adventureFreedom From Fear
A dedication to the Karen people of Burma who have suffered under a brutal 60 year civil war. Teach your audience about the plight of real people living in fear who need our help. Singing pieces for those in need is one way to make a difference to this world...
Sing a global story Sing a history Sing a message Sing for an eisteddfod Sing from the heartFromelles
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...
Sing a history Sing a message Sing an Australian storyGolden Bird
A moving tribute to one of the greatest leaders of our time, Aung San Suu Kyi. An epic telling of her story and Burma's struggle for freedom. Highly recommended for high school and adult choirs. This is the only choral piece written for Aung San Suu Kyi...
Sing a global story Sing a history Sing a message Sing for an eisteddfodGravitational Waves
A bold and exotic ride through space and time in search of the ends of the the universe and for the meaning of life itself. Soaring melodies, cinematic, romantic harmonies paying homage to the great sci-fi film scores. Chromaticism, whole tone scale, augmented chords and more...
Sing a Finale Sing a global story Sing a history Sing for an eisteddfod Sing the adventureGuruwull
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.
Sing a history Sing a message Sing an Australian story Sing for an eisteddfodHati 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.
Sing a global story Sing a history Sing an Australian story Sing the adventureIcarus
Icarus is an exciting piece with a powerful message for upper primary and teenage choirs. Uplifting melodies and contemporary harmonies in the style of romantic music inspire an evocative piece which appeals to all...
Sing a global story Sing a history Sing a message Sing for an eisteddfod Sing the adventureIn 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.
Sing a history Sing a message Sing an Australian storyJourney 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.
Sing a global story Sing a history Sing a message Sing an Australian story Sing for an eisteddfodLady 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.
Sing a history Sing an Australian story Sing from the heartMarloo
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.
Sing a history Sing an Australian story Sing for an eisteddfodPemulwuy
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...
Sing a choir favourite Sing a Finale Sing a history Sing a Jarman classic Sing a message Sing an Australian story Sing for an eisteddfodPercy
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...
Sing a history Sing a message Sing an Australian story Sing from the heartSampan
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...
Sing a choir favourite Sing a global story Sing a history Sing a message Sing an Australian story Sing from the heartSea of Berries
From the Song Cycle 'Turn on the Open Sea', Sea of Berries was first recorded by Gondwana Voices in 2002 and has become one of Paul's most popular works. A powerful and haunting journey through the Sargasso Sea, with evocative lyrics and melodies. Also available with strings or symphony orchestra...
Sing a choir favourite Sing a Finale Sing a global story Sing a history Sing a Jarman classic Sing for an eisteddfodSet Me Free
Set Me Free is dedicated to a young Afghan refugee, Salima Haidary, born in Ghazni near Kabul, Afghanistan. This powerful work is inspired by her remarkable story, winner of the National Literary Award 2003. A must have for teenage choirs who want to sing about the events shaping our world today...
Sing a global story Sing a history Sing a message Sing the adventureShackleton
From the Song Cycle 'Turn on the Open Sea', the story of Ernest Shackleton's Endurance expedition in 1914 is one of the greatest survival stories in the history of exploration. Paul's classic telling is emotional and stirring, loved by all. Available with strings...
Sing a choir favourite Sing a Finale Sing a global story Sing a history Sing a Jarman classic Sing a message Sing for an eisteddfodShell 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...
Sing a history Sing an Australian story Sing for an eisteddfodSouthern 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.
Sing a Finale Sing a history Sing a message Sing an Australian storyTake to the Sky
Take to the Sky is a fun filled, uplifting anthem dedicated to the history and romance of flight. With a catchy melody and soaring harmony sections, this piece is a terrifc finale to a concert. Also and educational experience as there is a section that details the history of flight from Icarus to the space race...
Sing a Finale Sing a global story Sing a history Sing the adventureThe 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.
Sing a global story Sing a history Sing an Australian story Sing for an eisteddfod Sing the adventureThe 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.
Sing a global story Sing a history Sing an Australian story Sing from the heartThe Soldier
A moving dedication to the Anzacs, written for the Centenary of the start of the Great War. A timeless anti-war song that tells and ancient story of love and loss. Lyrics based on the poem by Confucius...
Sing a global story Sing a history Sing a message Sing for an eisteddfod Sing from the heartThe 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...
Sing a history Sing a message Sing an Australian story Sing the adventureVolta do mar Largo
Written in the style of Arabic, Spanish, North Africa and Eastern European music, the piece is wild ride on a Portuguese caravel in the 1400,'s leading up to the voyage of Vasco da Gama. A popular work for two decades..
Sing a choir favourite Sing a global story Sing a history Sing a Jarman classic Sing for an eisteddfod Sing the adventureWarri 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...
Sing a choir favourite Sing a history Sing a Jarman classic Sing a message Sing an Australian story Sing for an eisteddfod