The Acceptance from Swirling Flame by Elysian Fields
I have been touring for more than 35 years. Out of repect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, over the past decade or so it has become a regular practice in Australia to make an Acknowledge of Country or to be Welcomed to Country at gigs. Although I support this practice, the result would often be me trying to pronounce Aboriginal names I was not aware of. In response, I came up with the idea of a musical acknowledgement of country.
When Elysian Fields was awarded a touring grant in 2024, I decided to approach Biripi and Gamillaroi musician and composer, Troy Russell, to write us something that would work as an acknowledge of country. I knew Troy from Musica Viva in Schools and was aware he had composed for Bach Akademie Australia and Ensemble Offspring. We now open all our gigs with this song.
The commencing musical motif, played on violin and viola da gamba, has a starkness to it that to my mind represents the monumental age and longevity of this continent and its First Peoples. Troy also wrote the lyrics.
Tracklist
| 1. | The Acceptance | 5:05 |
Lyrics
The Acceptance – words and music by Troy Russell
With fire's embrace, the earth renews
Life springs forth, a cycle true.
Creatures thrive in balance, here
Tended by a steward's care.
As flames caress the land so old
New seeds sprout, new stories told.
Respect the fire, its path unfolds
For nature's weave, forever bold.
Credits
Troy Russell - composer
Susie Bishop - vocals/violin
Matt Keegan - alto clarinet
Jenny Eriksson - electric viola da gamba
Matt McMahon - piano
Brett Hirst - double bass
License
All rights reserved.
Elysian Fields is one of the world's only electric viola da gamba bands. The sextet was founded by gambist, Jenny Eriksson along Matt Keegan, sax, & Matt McMahon, piano. We largely play original music & arrangements written by group members.
Our new album 'Swirling Flame' is out October 24 2025