The ancient song-line of Australia’s Indigenous people is brought to life by acclaimed Soprano, Composer and Artistic Director of Short Black Opera Deborah Cheetham, through a unique narrative recital and powerful commentary which focuses on themes of belonging and human rights.

With Australian Consulate-General, Mumbai and Avid Learning, we present Songs of Belonging – a special operatic performance featuring admired Australian and Indian performers, where indigenous aboriginal music comes together with classical western and contemporary Australian sounds along with Indian percussion.

This unique performance will be led by Cheetham, who will be accompanied by Pianist Toni Lalich, as she shares her unique life story and traces the journey she has embarked on to discover her sense of belonging.

Together with the music of legendary European composers such as Puccini, Catalani, Cilea, Dvorák, Strauss and Vaughn Williams, Cheetham will also be joined on stage by Tabla Master Pandit Sengupta and Contemporary Art Music Ensemble Rubiks Collective – one of Australia's most exciting new music ensembles, for the premiere of her latest composition Article 27, based on the 27th article of the UN Declaration of Human Rights and translated into the ancient language of the Pintubi people to create an evocative musical piece.

This production is presented as a part of Australia Fest, a festival celebrating Australia’s cultural diversity, creativity, and dynamism through major events across India.