First Nations Collaboration & Engagement
WASO is proud to work with Australia’s finest First Nations artists to share powerful cultural content through the development and performance of original compositions and reinterpretations of existing repertoire. These collaborations provide an opportunity for connection for our Orchestra and audiences, unique music education and understanding and community engagement experiences.
We are proud to present these collaborations at significant events across WA, including at the Perth Concert Hall, Karijini Experience and WASO's biggest end-of-year concert, Christmas Spectacular.
As we develop our Reconciliation Action Plan and our collaborations evolve, WASO looks forward to building relationships that enable us to listen, learn and create, whilst reflecting on the rich culture in which we share.
In 2022 we welcome Deborah Cheetham AO (Yorta Yorta) to WASO, performing alongside the full West Australian Symphony Orchestra and joined by soloists Linda Barcan and Don Bemrose (Gungarri), the Dhungala Children’s Choir and WASO Chorus to perform Eumeralla, a war requiem for peace. Combining moving poetry, two choirs, our orchestra and the Requiem mass, a history of heartbreak and horror is revealed in this monumental new work. With a fusion of Western classical tradition and First Nations culture, Eumeralla soars with resilience and reconciliation.