A dark past, a hopeful future

The Eumeralla river flows through Gunditjmara country in southwest Victoria. It was here, 180 years ago, that war broke out between traditional owners and those who sought to dispossess them of their land.

Combining moving poetry, three choirs, orchestra and the platform of 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.

DEBORAH CHEETHAM AO Eumeralla, a war requiem for peace

Benjamin Northey conductor
Deborah Cheetham soprano (Yorta Yorta) 
Linda Barcan mezzo soprano 
Don Bemrose baritone (Gungarri) 
Dhungala Children’s Choir
WASO Chorus
Penrhos College

Presented by WASO and Short Black Opera.

Sung in dialects of the Gunditjmara people of southwestern Victoria. Eumeralla, a war requiem for peace is presented in Perth with support from the Bendat Family Foundation. The Gunditjmara translation was the work of senior Gunditjmara language custodian Vicki Couzens and linguist Travers Eira.

WASO’s Indigenous Creative Collaborations are supported by Bendat Family Foundation.