Camerata, Lou Bennett & Lior: Ngapa William Cooper
Don’t miss this Queensland premiere, completely unconducted, of Lior, Nigel Westlake and Lou Bennett’s moving song cycle Ngapa William Cooper, exploring the extraordinarily powerful story of Yorta Yorta man, Uncle William Cooper.
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Saturday, 7 September 2024, 7pm
Concert Hall, QPAC
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Thursday, 12 September 2024, 7pm
The Empire, Toowoomba
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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.
Lior is one of Australia’s most treasured singer songwriters renowned for his beautiful voice and songs that radiate truth and sincerity. He burst on to the Australian music scene in 2005 with his debut album – ‘Autumn Flow’ – which has become one of the most successful independent debut releases in Australian music history. That year Lior earned 3 ARIA nominations including ‘Best Male Artist’ as well as Triple J’s ‘J Award’ nomination for ‘Australian Album of the Year’. He has subsequently released five more albums whilst remaining a completely independent artist. He has earned a total of 7 ARIA nominations and is a 2-time ARIA award-winner.
Yorta Yorta Dja Dja Wurrung, Dr Lou Bennett AM is a former member of the internationally acclaimed trio Tiddas, and during her ten years with the band, Lou wrote a number of the group’s signature songs. Lou’s versatile work within the Arts industry over the past thirty years includes various roles as Performer, Songwriter, Musical and Artistic Director, Composer, Actor, Soundscape Designer and Academic.
PRESENTING PARTNERS
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Performing without a conductor, Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra proudly takes full ownership over their music-making in the spirit of chamber music, resulting in engaging, passionate, and exciting performances. A two-time Helpmann Award nominated ensemble, Camerata is known for innovative and adventurous programming, thriving on collaborations with artists across a range of artforms.
