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Christchurch competitions
society 2024

The following catalogue of songs has been specially selected by Philip for the Christchurch Competitions Society for the 'Class 135: Profiling a New Zealand Composer' category, sponsored by Nota Bene Music.

First Prize: $240

Second Prize: $120

Third Prize: $60

For the most persuasive performance of a song — solo or duet — by Christchurch composer
Dr. Philip Norman.

Looking for another key?
If a particular song appeals, but is in the wrong key, Philip will transpose it to the key of your choice, but please use this offer sparingly. While some songs were originally written for a specific voice type, there are no restrictions for this competition — all songs can be sung by all singers!  

2016

An Imaginary Menagerie      

     (or 'The Sixth Sheikh's Sick Sheep' fun with tongue twisters) 

     Commissioned for the Christchurch Schools' Music Festival Association 2016   

Performed by the massed choir of the Christchurch Schools' Music Festival 2018

Download the score here

2014

I Heard a Thrush 

     From the Great Art War. a stage musical by Philip Norman and Stuart Hoar

Performed by Jubilate Singers, with Rachael Doig (soprano)

Download the score here

2003

The Man from the Land of Fandango

     From Ravenous Uncles (and Many Thin Greedy Aunts) 

Performed by Juliet Reynolds–Midgley (singer) Malcolm McNeill (singer) and the CSO

Download the score here

2003

Ravenous Uncles (and Many Thin Greedy Aunts)

     Four song settings of poems by Margaret Mahy:

     I. The Man from the land of Fandango
     
II. Uncle James

     III. Wonderful Me  

     IV. Tarragon Vinegar

     Commissioned by the Christchurch Schools' Music Festival Association, 2003. Funded by Trustpower

     

    

 

Performed by Juliet Reynolds–Midgley (singer) Malcolm McNeill (singer) and the CSO

Purchase the score here

2000

Witches, Clowns, Promises 

     Five song settings of poems by Margaret Mahy:

     I. The Tin Can Band
     II. Pro
mises
     III. The Pines
     
IV. A Witch Poem
     V. Clowns

     Commissioned by the Christchurch Schools' Music Festival Association, 2000

     

    

 

Performed by Juliet Reynolds–Midgley (singer) Malcolm McNeill (singer) and the CSO

Purchase the score here

1997

Fresh Earth

     From Dirty Weekend, a gardening musical by Philip Norman and Roger Hall

 

Download the score here

1993

Marley's Aria

     From A Christmas Carol, a full length opera

 

Download the score here

1991

This Old Geetar   

     From Making it Big, the musical

 

Download the score here

1990

The Southern Gale 

 

Performed by Fortissimo (Dilworth School, Auckland)

Download the score here

1989

Hunger Songs  A Song Cycle 

     Commissioned by David Hamilton and Opus One, Epsom Girls, Auckland for their 1989 Finland tour.
     I. For Anne Gregory words by W. B. Yeats
     II. My Sister words by Margaret Mahy
   
 III. Tight Denim Jeans words by Jana Harris

     IV. The hunger Songs words by Kim Chernin

 

Performed by Opus Choir

Download the score here

1982

My Man's Gone Now

     From New Chums and the Old Identity, a song cycle

 

Download the score here

1982

New Zealand Whales

     From New Chums and the Old Identity, a song cycle

 

Download the score here

1981

Why Put Your Head in the Noose Twice?

     From Fresh Revolving Pleasures, the musical

 

Download the score here

1974

When You Construct a Coffin    

     From Stiff Luck for the Undertaker, the musical

 

Download the score here

Download the score here

1974

Death Aria    

     From Stiff Luck for the Undertaker, the musical

 

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