Corroboree, 1936-44

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Corroboree was composed between 1936 and 1944, based on the rhythms that had impressed Antill during a trip to the La Perouse Aboriginal settlement in about 1912. The music for Corroboree was first performed in 1946 by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Goossens at the Sydney Town Hall. Goossens later toured the work to London and Cincinatti. Corroboree was first performed as a ballet in 1950 by the National Theatre Ballet Company at the Empire Theatre. The ballet was choreographed by Rex Reid, with set design by William Constable. It toured all states with their respective orchestras.

The ballet's second season premiered in 1954 at the Tivoli Theatre in Sydney before Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip. It was conducted by Antill with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, choreographed by Beth Dean and with set design by William Constable. The ballet toured New South Wales. Corroboree was also performed for the Captain Cook Bicentenary in 1970 at the Gunnamatta Park amphitheatre in Cronulla.

The series contains manuscript and published scores, as well as other papers relating to the 1946, 1950/51, 1954 and 1970 performances.

Correspondence relating to Corroboree is also in series 2 and 3. Other papers on Corroboree can be found throughout the collection.

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