Indigenous children find voice
Renowned Yorta Yorta soprano and composer Deborah Cheetham AO will be coming to Benalla to work with local indigenous children to develop a Short Black Opera for KIDS! performance that will be presented on Friday, October 28, at 12 pm at the Benalla Performing Arts and Convention Centre.
Short Black Opera for KIDS! is a program designed by Ms Cheetham for indigenous children who love to sing, act or tell stories, to connect with their cultural identity.
From October 24 to 28, local Indigenous children in years 4 to 7 will come to BPACC each morning to work alongside Deborah and the company’s artists to develop their skills in singing, songwriting, visual arts and storytelling.
They will be inspired and empowered to explore their talents and cultural identity and will prepare repertoire for a final lunchtime concert at the end of the week featuring a new song that they cowrite with Deborah.
Short Black Opera for KIDS! in Benalla is being is co-produced with the Living Culture Together Project, the first project of its kind in Benalla exploring new ways of creating social and cultural exchanges among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in the local community.
The project has been supported by Multicultural Arts Victoria, Australia Council for the Arts, Creative Victoria and Benalla Rural City Council.
Short Black Opera for KIDS! will be performed at BPACC on Friday, October 28, at 12 pm, including the performance of a song co-written with Ms Cheetham.
The concert will run for 60 minutes and is free to attend with bookings essential.