Dhungala Children’s Choir concert honours Yorta Yorta culture

The choir’s mission, published on its website, highlights the importance of holding such spaces. “For thousands of years, the Yorta Yorta people have passed down their traditions, language, dreaming and culture through song. Dhungala Children’s Choir is a continuation of this tradition.”

Since its beginning, Dhungala Children’s Choir has been singing songs in the languages of the Yorta Yorta, Wadawurrung, Gunditjmara, Boon Wurrung, Parkanji, Kamilaroi, Bunjalung and Banjima people during its many performances across the country and has garnered numerous accolades.

Accompanied by members of Short Black Opera Company, Ensemble Dutala, Shauntai Sherree Abdul-Rahman, Lillie Walker, as well as musicians from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Conservatorium of Music and Melbourne’s vibrant classical music community, Nicolette Fraillon, an award-winning conductor, led the performance.

Artworks from Aunty Rochelle Patten, Minjaraa Atkinson, Tina King, Ally Knight, Billy-Jay O’Toole and Steve Parker were projected during the performance.

Since 2013, the Dhungala Children’s Choir has been writing its own song and the concert started with Why We Sing, which Ms Cheetham said had become the choir’s anthem.

The lyrics were full of emotions and significance:

When you hear the word ‘Aboriginal’,

What do you hear?

Do you see you?

Or do you see me?

The performance by the Dhungala Children’s Choir was a unique experience, seamlessly weaving songs and stories shared by Ms Cheetham about the choir’s origins and evolution.

The melodies and the choir’s passion enthralled the audience, who even joined in at the concert’s conclusion.

It was truly an event to remember.