Ngapa William Cooper was born out of a rich collaboration between composer Nigel Westlake, singer-songwriter Lior, and performer and academic Dr Lou Bennett AM. In this very special, completely unconducted, Queensland premiere arrangement for chamber orchestra, Camerata and Lior once again join forces, this time with Lou Bennett, for this moving and heartfelt performance.

Ngapa William Cooper explores the strength and compassion of Yorta Yorta activist Uncle William Cooper. In 1938, Cooper led the Australian Aborigines’ League through the streets of Melbourne in the only non-Jewish protest worldwide against the events of Kristallnacht in Nazi Germany. Performed in English and Yorta Yorta language, it is a celebration of a man who left behind a legacy of resistance, solidarity and empathy.

In the first half, audiences will also be treated to a selection of Lior and Lou’s beautiful songs especially arranged for string orchestra.

“Richly evocative.” Artshub

“Momentous.” Limelight

“A powerful and important work.” InReview

“…Ngapa [is] an experience that grips one’s whole being: it wrests one’s attention and never lets go.” Graham Strahle, Australian Book Review

As always join Camerata in the foyer after the show to meet the musicians and have a chat.

Ngapa William Cooper was originally commissioned by UKARIA with support from Ulrike Klein AO and the Adelaide Festival as part of Finding Our Voice, which was supported by Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund, an Australian Government initiative. Symphonic realisation commissioned by The Australian Youth Orchestra.