Paradise Road vocal orchestra

Subject: Paradise Road vocal orchestra
From: Callie
Date: 17 Dec 01 - 06:38 PM

I know this is probably a long shot, but maybe someone out there knows ...

I am looking for the vocal orchestra scores written by Australian women in POW camps in Sumatra 1941-43. Excerpts of the music were performed in the film "Paradise Road".

For those unfamiliar with the story, the women endured the most incredible hardships in these camps. They were forbidden from singing. But they reconstructed and arranged from memory 4-part versions of the New World Symphony, Bolero and other music and rehearsed in secret. Eventually they all came together and performed the music, only then hearing the whole thing for the first time.

In February there is a commemoration of 60 years since the Fall of Singapore. I have been asked to put together a women's choir to perform some of the vocal orchestra music as a commemoration to the women who lived and died during that time.

Tracking down the score (apparently published as "Songs of Survival" by someone) has been impossible. I've tried all the obvious channels.

If anyone has any clues or bright ideas (or a spare copy in their bottom drawer) I'd be eternally grateful, and of course more than willing to pay any copying/postage costs.

All suggestions gratefully received!

Callie Sydney, Australia

Subject: RE: Paradise Road vocal orchestra
From: Jeri
Date: 17 Dec 01 - 06:50 PM

I found this site that tells a bit more about the story and the music. It also links to the Penninsula Women's Chorus who perform this music. There's a contact link at the bottom of the page.

Subject: RE: Paradise Road vocal orchestra
From: Callie
Date: 20 Dec 01 - 01:47 AM

Many thanks Jeri - that was a very fruitful contact.

regards Callie

Subject: RE: Paradise Road vocal orchestra
From: GUEST,LeslieMc
Date: 03 Jun 11 - 07:25 AM

There was an old movie (1950"s?) where an orchestra of women sang the parts of instsruments in a night club - Does anyone remember it?