McGuire Music Works

AULD LANG SYNE (2009)

Based on the traditional Scottish folk song (which differs from the New Year's Eve song). Tenor solo, TTBB choir, tin whistle, guitar. Commissioned by Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus, directed by Barbara Wagner.

Published by and available from: WIRRIPANG

Review: The performance of “Auld Lang Syne” stood out most of all, as it takes a tune we think we are familiar with and added a lovely, ethereal quality with a tin whistle accompaniment that left a haunting memory in the auditorium. - Arnold Wayne Joyce, Dallas Voice, December 2010

Performances:

• Buffalo Gay Men's Chorus conducted by Barbara Wagner, 2009

• Turtle Creek Chorale conducted by Jonathan Palant, 2010

• Melbourne International Singers Festival, 2014

Duration: 5 min

BANUWA YO (2014)

Based on a traditional Liberian lullaby. SATB choir, a cappella, opt percussion. This arrangement created in response to the composer's visit to South Africa in January, 2014. 

Premiere: Melbourne International Singers Festival, June 2014

Many performances since then by such ensembles as:

• Voices Without Borders

• Australian Catholic University MTeach students

• Brunswick Secondary College

• Hallelujah Gospel Choir

• Queen's College Gospel Choir

Duration c 3 min

BRASS TRIO (1984)

B-flat trumpet, flugel horn, trombone

Premiere: The University of Melbourne student concert, 1984

Duration: c. 5 min

CHILDREN GO WHERE I SEND THEE (2014)

Based on the traditional spiritual. SATB choir, a cappella.

Premiere: Hallelujah Gospel Choir, Melbourne Town Hall, December 2014

E MARABINI (7 April, 2014)

Based on a traditional South African folk song in Zulu language, sometimes used as a wedding song. 2 soloists, SATB choir, djembe. 

Premiere: State Library of Victoria, Melbourne Gay & Lesbian Chorus, May, 2014

Duration: 2:30 min

GOD'S HANDS / ANTHEM OF GRACE (2011)

Co-written with Ashley Moore. Solo, SATB choir, piano, opt rock band. Dedicated to Rev G Penny Nixon.

      Performances:

• Ellipsis, Congregational Church of San Mateo United Church of Christ, San Mateo, California

• Single recording

• St Paulus Lutheran Church, San Francisco California

Duration: 4 min

Harriet Tubman (2002)

Kathleen McGuire's inspirational a cappella arrangement of Underground Railroad hero Harriet Tubman has been published by Shawnee Press in three voicings since 2006 (SATB, TTBB, SSAA). It has been performed by thousands of choristers across the United States and Australia. It was selected as "Editor's Choice" by JW Pepper in 2008.

Review: This superb a cappella arrangement is an inspiring tribute to the heroism of Harriet Tubman. Vocal percussion effects, well-written harmonies, train sounds, and call-and-response singing work together to create a wonderful choral tapestry perfect for a district or festival choir women's feature. "Come on up, puh, huh, huh, I got a lifeline, come on up to this train o' mine..." - JW Pepper

SSAA voicing commissioned by the Peninsula Women's Chorus, California (2017)

SATB voicing commissioned by the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco (2008)

TTBB voicing included by the Turtle Creek Chorale (Dallas, Texas) in its 25th Anniversary Collection (2006)

The arrangement was premiered by the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus in 2002.

Duration: 4 min

IMMORTALITY (2016)

SATB choir and piano. Words from "Music" by Juhan Liiv (1864 - 1913) from Snow Drifts, I Sing: Selected Poems, edited by Jüri Talvet, translated from Estonian by Jüri Talvet and H. L. Hix (Guernica Editions, 2013). Music inspired by 16th century Estonian folksong: Mu süda, ärka üles (Awake, my heart). Commissioned by Sarah Penicka-Smith and the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir for their 25th anniversary and in memory of pianist Gareth Chan.

Published by and available from: WIRRIPANG

Premiere: Sydney Lesbian and Gay Choir, 25th Anniversary Concert, Paddington Town Hall, NSW, Oct 23, 2016

Duration: 4 min

MAGNIFICAT (1986)

Soprano solo, SSAA choir and piano. Set in English. Commissioned and premiered by Byrd-Cage Singers directed by Loris Synan.

Published by and available from: WIRRIPANG

Performances:

• Byrd-Cage Singers concert, The University of Melbourne (premiere)

• ABC National Radio, live performance

Duration c. 4 min

SATB choir, piano (or organ). Commissioned for the installation of Rev Neysa Elgren, St Aidan's Episcopal Church, Boulder, Colorado.

Published by and available from YELTON RHODES MUSIC, YR2M15v1

Performances:

St Aidan's Episcopal Church, Boulder Colorado (installation service)

CD recording: St Aidan's Prayer For Lindisfarnce

Metropolitan Community Church Choir, San Francisco, California

Duration: c. 3 min

MISSA DE SPIRITU SANCTO (Mass of the Holy Spirit) (2017)

SATB/SAB choir, piano/organ and chamber orchestra (1.0.1.0 0.1.1.1 perc, strings). Choral part is especially suitable for children and community choirs. Traditional Latin/Greek text. Commissioned by Geelong Grammar School in memory of beloved teacher Deborah Heather Anne Clingeleffer-Woodford (1959-2016). The work includes a variety of styles and influences, including Syrian and South African folk music, British choral tradition and contemporary popular music.

1. Kyrie Eleison

2. Gloria in Excelsis Deo

3. Sanctus

4. Benedictus

5. Agnus Dei

Duration: 21 minutes

(Available publicly from January 1, 2018)

NATURAL DISTURBANCE (Dec 1983)

Untuned percussion (triangle, tambourine, suspended cymbal, rattle, castanets, whip, snare drum, gong, bass drum) Premiere: The University of Melbourne student event. Duration: c. 3 min.

NO EXCUSES! (2015-16)

SSAA choir, soloists, piano, violin, acoustic guitar, bass guitar or tuba, 3 trumpets, hand percussion (essential: piano/guitar, percussion)

1. Because (spoken)

2. The Next Day (McGuire)*

3. Victim No More (McGuire)

4. Hide Me (Green)*

5. The Road Ahead (Green)

6. Bride Price (Green)

7. Making No Excuses (McGuire)

Composed in collaboration with Christina Green. Choral song suite based on true stories of resilience by women survivors of family violence. Phase 1 of the project, completed in 2015, was commissioned by the Big West Festival, presented by the School of Hard Knocks with support from a Creative Victoria grant.

*Phase 2 of the project was completed in 2016 with assistance from a Brimbank City Council grant.

Performances (Phase 1):

• Big West Festival, Footscray Victoria Australia, Nov 20 and 21, 2015. Conducted by Kathleen McGuire.

• White Ribbon Day, Sunshine Hospital, Nov 25, 2015

• Stair Climb event, Crown Metropol - fund raiser for the Luke Batty Foundation, Nov 27, 2015

• International Women's Day, Brimbank City Council, March 8, 2015

• Rotary District 9800 Conference, Alumburra Theatre, Bendigo, March 13, 2016

• Iwaki Auditorium (recorded for ABC-TV special), Melbourne, March 20, 2016

• ABC-TV program Breaking the Cycle, aired April 1, 2016 ("Victim No More")

• 'Safe Steps' Candlelight Vigil, Federation Square, Melbourne, May 4, 2016

• Brisbane International Singers Festival, June 2016

Performances (Phase 2):

• Melbourne International Singers Festival, Melbourne Recital Hall, June 12, 2016

• Mentone Girls Grammar School choir, ("Victim No More"), Prudence Lewty Hall, Aug 26, 2016

• 8th annual Walk Against Family Violence, Federation Square, Nov 25, 2016

• White Ribbon Day event, Moe Town Hall, Nov 26, 2016 ("Making No Excuses")

• Latrobe Valley No Excuses! Project, Traralgon Sound Shell, March 4, 2017

• Victorian Government's Family Violence and Service Delivery Reform Unit committee event, Melbourne Observatory, March 22, 2017 ("Victim No More" and "Making No Excuses" conducted by Kerry Gerraty)

Duration approx 30 min.

ON LOVE (21 Nov 1998)

SATB choir, piano. Words adapted from The Prophet by Kalil Gibran. English. Commissioned for the wedding of Rev Sara D Smith and Lea Anne Bryce, Nov 21, 1998.

Published by YELTON RHODES MUSIC, YR2M16.

      Performances:

• St Aidan's Church Choir, Boulder Colorado

• Metropolitan Community Church Choir, San Francisco, California

• Australasian Choir, GALA Festival, Denver Colorado, July 2012 

Duration: c. 4 min.

ORDINARY MASS IN ENGLISH (May 1984, rev 2013 & 2016)

SATB choir, a cappella, set in English 

1. Kyrie

2. Sanctus

3. Benedictus

4. Agnus Dei

Published by and available from: WIRRIPANG

Performances:

• St. Augustine’s Church, Mentone (Australia), 1984

• Metropolitan Community Church, San Francisco, conducted by Stephanie Lynne Smith, May 2008

• New Spirit Community Church, Berkeley CA, Chancel Choir, conducted by Stephanie Lynne Smith 

• Congregational Church of San Mateo CA, conducted by the composer, March 2012

• The Tudor Choristers, Xavier College Chapel, April 2, 2017

Duration: 4:15

PRELUDE AND PHANTASY (1983)

Classical guitar solo

1. Prelude 1:35

2. Phantasy 2:40

Published by and available from: WIRRIPANG

Premiere performed by Michael Christoforidis, Melba Hall, The University of Melbourne. Duration: 4:15

PRELUDE TO THE WILDERNESS (1986)

Chamber orchestra 1.1.1.1 1.1.0.0 timp./tam tam, strings

PSALM 32 (1984)

Baritone solo, SATB choir, piano. Set in English. Duration c 5 min

REQUIEM (1986-'87)

SATB choir, SATB soloists, brass and percussion. Traditional Latin text. 

1. Requiem and Kyrie

2. Dies Irae and Rex Tremendae

3. Lacrymosa

4. Sanctus

5. Pie Jesu

6. Libera Me

Premiere: Monash University Singers directed by Andre De Quandros (workshop)

Duration: c. 30 min. 

RISE UP SHEPHERD (2015)

SATB choir and soloist a cappella with bongos. Arrangement of the traditional spiritual created for the Hallelujah Gospel Chorus, Melbourne, Australia.

Performances:

• Swing! Into Christmas concert, Hallelujah Gospel Chorus, Melbourne Town Hall, Dec 12, 2015

• The Victorian Bar Community Choir Christmas concert, Essoign Club, Melbourne, Dec 17, 2015

Duration: c. 2 min.

SINGING OUT AND LOUD (20 Feb 2016)

A choral fanfare. SATB voices with piano accompaniment. Words by GALS Auckland. 

Performances:

• Out and Loud Choral Festival, Auckland, New Zealand, Feb 20, 2016

• Annual Secondary College Singfest, Patterson River Secondary College, Victoria, Australia, March 16, 2016

Duration: 1 min 45 sec

A SHORT PIECE FOR THREE CLARINETS (Nov 1983)

3 clarinets in B-flat. Duration c. 2 min.

STREET REQUIEM (7 June 2014)

"Amazing, reverent, inspiring, uplifting and emotional." 

Finalist, The American Prize - professional choral composer division

Special Judges Citation, The American Prize

Latrobe Valley performance (March 2016) Community Event Award, Labtrobe City, Jan 26, 2017

Co-written with Jonathon Welch and Andy Payne. Soprano and tenor solo, SATB choir, piano, opt strings and percussion. Expanded orchestration available (by Steven Couch and  McGuire) adds: harp, flute, oboe, penny whistle, French horn, drum kit, bass guitar. Additional double bass by Daniel Hughes. Traditional and original texts. Multi-movement in English, Latin and African languages.

World premiere: 7 June 2014 - Melbourne International Singers Festival, Melbourne Recital Centre, Australia, conducted by Jonathon Welch and Kathleen McGuire, presented by the School of Hard Knocks with soloists Liane Keegan, Danielle Matthews and Jonathon Welch.

1. Acknowledgement & Dedication

2. Introit - Requiem Aeternam

3. Ubi Caritas - Charity and Love

4. Kyrie Eleison - City Hymn

5. Dies Irae - Day of Judgement

6. Offertorium - Reflection*

7. Pie Jesu

8. Agnus Dei - Lamb of God

9. Gloria - Anthem of Empowerment

10. Lacrimosa - Night Tears

11. Lux Aeterna - Remember Them

*added 2016

US premiere: 25 January 2015 - Dallas, Texas, conducted by Jonathan Palant with soloists Frederica von Stade and Jonathon Welch.

Sydney premiere: 21 February 2015 - Honouring those who died in attacks at Martin Place and Paris. Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Cheryl Barker, soprano; Jonathon Welch, tenor. Conducted by Jonathon Welch and Kathleen McGuire.

Other performances:

• Malvern Town Hall, Malvern, Vic, Australia Aug 2014 (Welch/McGuire)

• Dallas, TX, USA Jan 25 2015 - Credo Choir, Dallas Street Choir (Jonathan Palant)

• Brisbane, Australia 2015 - Brisbane International Singers Festival (Welch/McGuire)

• Sunshine, Australia March 2015 (Welch/McGuire)

• Old Presbyterian Church, San Francisco, CA, USA Aug 29 2015 (McGuire)

• Congregational Church of San Mateo, CA, USA Aug 30 2015 (McGuire)

• Traralgon, Vic, Australia March 5, 2016 (Welch/McGuire)

• Seattle, WA, USA May 1, 2016 - Starbucks Chorus/James Hing

• Boston MA, Sept 21, 2016 - (Welch)

• New York City (Carnegie Hall), Sept 24, 2016 (Welch/McGuire)

• San Jose, CA, USA Feb 15, 2017 - The Choral Project/Daniel Hughes

• Santa Cruz, CA, USA Feb 18, 2017 - The Choral Project/Hughes

• Launceston, TAS, Australia, April(?), 2017 (Welch)

• Auckland Town Hall, New Zealand, Dec 7, 2017 - GALS

• Melbourne, VIC, Australia, Aug 2018 (Welch)

• St Cuthbert's Parish Church, Edinburgh, Scotland (UK premiere), 20 Sept 2018 (Welch)

• Manchester Cathedral, UK, 22 Sept 2018 (Welch)

CD available from iTunes and Spotify.

Duration approx 45 min

STRING QUARTET (1984)

Premiered by the Petra String Quartet at The University of Melbourne. Duration c 4 min

THE LORD'S PRAYER (6 Nov 1986)

Soprano and piano. English. Commissioned by Linda Thompson. 

Performances:

• Premiered by Linda Thompson at St. Mary’s Church, Fitzroy, November, 1986

• Performed by Linda Thompson as the Australian composer selection at several competitive Eisteddfods on her way to winning the prestigious Sun Aria contest in 1990

Duration c. 3 min

VIVA L'AMOUR (2018)

SATB and piano arrangement of the traditional French song, also known as Viva la Compagnie. Verses are sung in English, with new words written especially for the massed choir for Gay Games 10 in Paris.

Performances:

• Gala Concert, Casino de Paris, Gay Games 10, Paris, France, August 2018

• Rotunda Concert, Gay Games 10, Paris, France, August 2018

• Main Stage Concert, Hotel de Ville, Gay Games 10, Paris, France, August 2018