Peter Dodds McCormick


c.1835 - 1916

Composer of the Australian National Anthem and choirmaster. Born the son of a seaman in Port Glasgow, McCormick apprenticed as a joiner and emigrated for Australia in 1855. He spent his career working as a teacher for the New South Wales Education Department, but was also choir-master for the Presbyterian Church in Sydney. His most famous work is the anthem Advance Australia Fair, written under the pen-name Amicus and first performed in 1878, but is also known for The Bonnie Banks of Clyde and other popular songs.

McCormick was awarded £100 for his patriotic song, but it was not until 1984, and following much controversy, that it was officially adopted as Australia's National Anthem. He died in Sydney and lied buried in Rookwood Cemetery.


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